In a gesture of political goodwill, Jubilee Party presidential flagbearer and deputy leader Fred Matiang’i has congratulated the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on its 20th anniversary.

In a post on X dated November 13, 2025, Matiang’i emphasised the role of institutions in managing public affairs, stating, “On behalf of my colleagues in the Jubilee Party, I congratulate the @TheODMparty on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. I do this as a believer in institutions as instruments for managing public affairs in any civilised society.”

The milestone was marked with celebrations across Kenya, including a major gathering in Mombasa on November 14, 2025.

ODM’s contributions to Raila’s legacy

Matiang’i praised ODM for its impact on Kenya’s political landscape, noting, “Over the past two decades, @TheODMparty has substantially contributed to strengthening the political culture of multiparty democracy in Kenya. Furthermore, @TheODMparty has played a significant role in providing checks and balances on excesses in governance.”

He acknowledged the late Raila Odinga as the party’s “leading light,” highlighting his tenure as Kenya’s second prime minister and leader of the opposition.

“The celebrations come just weeks after the passing of the Right Honourable Raila Odinga. Raila was the leading light of the party and remains its greatest achiever, having served as Kenya’s second Prime Minister, as well as Leader of the Opposition. The impact of his death is being felt within and beyond @TheODMparty,” Matiang’i wrote.

Message to confirmed leaders

Looking forward, Matiang’i urged ODM’s new leadership to uphold the values associated with Odinga.

“My prayer is that the new leadership continues to be inspired by the fundamental principles and values that Kenyans associated with Baba Raila Amolo Odinga. This auspicious occasion also offers @TheODMparty an opportunity to learn from similar tragic experiences by other parties across the continent of Africa.”

“The African National Congress of South Africa lost Nelson Mandela and Chama Cha Mapinduzi of Tanzania, similarly, lost Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. These examples offer valuable lessons on the value of ideological consistency over political expediency.”

At the Mombasa celebrations, East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga reaffirmed ODM’s unity, declaring, “ODM is not for sale!” while Secretary General Edwin Sifuna called for a return to party defiance. Siaya Governor James Orengo urged a clear opposition stance.

Matiang’i concluded, “To the leadership and members of the ODM Party, and to all Kenyans of goodwill, I wish you a Happy 20th Anniversary!”