Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has praised the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga for his patriotism as the outfit marks 20 years since its formation.

Mudavadi, alongside President William Ruto, was among the guests and founding members of ODM at the anniversary dinner held in a Mombasa hotel on Saturday night, November 15, 2025.

The particular gathering also acted as a reunion of the founding members of ODM, an evening that rekindled the spirit and solidarity of the Chungwa family.

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Mudavadi also regretted celebrating 20 years of the party without the man at the centre of its formation, Raila Odinga, who passed away in October 2025.

Moment of reflection

”We reflected on our journey from the 2005 referendum campaigns to the emergence of a movement that has shaped Kenya’s politics for two decades.”

“The absence of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga was deeply felt, reminding us of a leader whose courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism steadied our nation through defining moments,” Mudavadi said.

The Prime CS reflected on Raila Odinga’s selflessness, recalling how he consistently chose Kenya first.

”During the constitution-making process, he stepped back from the push for a parliamentary system but firmly safeguarded the inclusion of devolution, a choice that transformed our governance structure,” Musalia Mudavadi noted.

He also commended ODM’s leadership for nurturing a party that has endured where many others have faded. ”With ODM now in its maturity stage, I encouraged the leadership to champion pro-people programmes, advance progressive policies, and strengthen unity through constant consultation. The Orange spirit remains vibrant, and the journey ahead is filled with promise,” he said.

Ruto calls for ODM’s survival

Musalia Mudavadi’s sentiments come after President William Ruto has called for the protection of political parties with a national outlook, saying they serve as the country’s bedrock of democracy, and that such parties should be well utilised to drive politics of ideology rather than ethnicity or division.

Speaking at the ODM’s 20th anniversary dinner, Ruto said: ”It is important that the powerful spirit of ODM is given room to flourish, keeping the party united and strong, and protecting it from ever being fragmented. May ODM continue to inspire us to build and stand behind robust, progressive national political parties that serve as a bedrock of our democracy, driving politics of ideology rather than ethnicity or division.”