Oburu praises Ruto’s presence during ODM founders’ dinner
By Kiprono Keileb, November 16, 2025The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) marked a significant moment this week as party elders, long-time supporters, and early organisers came together for the party’s founders’ dinner, a gathering that carried both emotion and reflection.
ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga described the event as one that reminded the movement of its long political journey, its internal resilience, and the people who have held it together for two decades.
Oburu said the event brought together individuals who have shaped the party’s identity since its early days, those who have stayed committed in moments of crisis, and those who continue to believe in the values that defined ODM at its birth. He noted that the dinner was not just a celebration but also a moment to reconnect with the party’s original purpose.
In his statement posted on X on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Oburu highlighted the atmosphere of unity and renewed commitment that guided the gathering.
“The ODM Founders Dinner gathered party pioneers, long-time supporters, and guests for an evening dedicated to reflection, unity, and renewed purpose,” he said.
A notable moment in the evening was the attendance of President William Ruto. Oburu acknowledged the President’s presence as a significant gesture during a moment that carried symbolic weight for the party. Oburu Odinga extended gratitude for the visit.
“A special thank you to His Excellency William Ruto for joining us for these celebrations,” the statement reads.
For many within the party, the President’s appearance sparked conversations about political maturity, respect across political divides, and the evolving nature of Kenya’s political landscape. To them, the dinner felt like a bridge between the past and the present, a reminder that while ODM has weathered storms, its spirit of dialogue and openness remains intact.
ODM’s future
As the party reflects on 20 years of victories, losses, and transitions, Oburu’s message of unity and renewed purpose sets the tone for what ODM hopes will be a more stable and focused future.
The list of six founders included President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Mumbi Ngaru. Henry Kosgey, Franklin Bett, CS Askul Beatrice, and other influential leaders who were identified as senior figures within ODM.
Other than Bett and Kosgey, who served as the National Chairman of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) during his active years in the party (from 2007 until his resignation in 2012), Ngaru is a long-time friend of Raila Odinga and formerly served as an MP at the East African Legislative Assembly.