Suba South Member of Parliament (MP) Caroli Omondi has revealed that he was one of the founders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), alongside Rigathi Gachagua, Uhuru Kenyatta and several other leaders.

He made the statement during a morning radio interview, naming key Kenyan leaders as his co-founders and sharing details of the party’s early days in 2005.

“Mimi ndio mwanzilishi wa ODM. ODM tulianza na Raila, Uhuru Kenyatta, Rigathi Gachagua, Charity Ngilu, William Ruto, and Sally Kosgei. Hivyo ndio tulianza. Na ilikuwa kwa nyumba yangu inaitwa Raila Odinga Centre, Upperhill,” Omondi said.

He provided specifics on funding, claiming that Rigathi Gachagua brought the first Ksh2 million on behalf of Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Rigathi Gachagua yeye ndio alileta millioni mbili ile ya kwanza, kutoka kwa Uhuru. Alikuwa msaidizi wa Uhuru. It was December 2005,” he added.

Omondi also said he created some of ODM’s early slogans.

“Ata izo vitu unaona ati Tuko Tayari, mimi ndio nimeunda hiyo, ata Maisha Bora,” he stated.

ODM’s origin

ODM traces its origins to the 2005 constitutional referendum. Kenyans rejected the draft constitution, with the “No” vote using an orange symbol. Raila Odinga led the campaign, which included Uhuru Kenyatta’s Kenya African National Union (KANU) and Odinga’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

The “No” side won with 58 per cent support, prompting President Mwai Kibaki to dismiss his cabinet. This victory paved the way for ODM, a coalition that later contested the 2007 elections.

Founding members included Raila Odinga, Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, Kalonzo Musyoka, and others. Early divisions occurred when KANU withdrew, splitting the party into ODM under Raila and ODM-Kenya under Kalonzo. William Ruto initially aligned with Raila but later formed his own political path.

Omondi has highlighted his financial contributions to ODM over the years. In February 2026, he said that he spent between Ksh600 million and Ksh700 million on the party’s 2013 campaigns.

“In 2013, I think I spent about Ksh600–700 million of my money,” he said, adding that he bought vehicles and T-shirts and paid agents and candidates. He withheld another $2 million in 2017 after ODM denied him a ticket.

His claims come amid ongoing tensions in ODM. Omondi has criticised the party’s direction following Raila Odinga’s retirement or death, as leadership struggles continue. In 2025, the party faced calls for unity after clashes between members aligned with President Ruto and others, including Edwin Sifuna.