Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna on Friday, February 28, 2025, celebrated the party’s two-decade journey, attributing its resilience to strong values and unwavering grassroots support.

Speaking at an event in Busia to mark the party’s 20th anniversary, Sifuna reflected on ODM’s formation and its enduring impact on the country’s political landscape.

Sifuna, who was a university student when ODM was established in 2005, recounted the early days of the party and its historic opposition to the then-ruling establishment.

“Baba mwaka wa elfu mbili na tanu wakati mumezindua chama cha ODM huyu Sifuna ambaye nazungumza nlikua kijana mdogo pale University of Nairobi. Sisi Baba ndo tulikua tunaimba pale Uhuru Park mwaka wa elfu mbili na mbili tukisema ‘yote yawezekana bila Moi’,” he recalled, referencing the movement that ousted former President Daniel arap Moi’s regime.

Two decades later, Sifuna expressed pride in leading the party as Secretary-General, emphasizing the importance of passing the ODM legacy to future generations.

“Najivunia kwamba miaka ishirini baadaye mimi ndo katibu mkuu wa chama cha ODM. Baba, ombi langu ni kwamba wengine ambao wako nyuma yetu kama hawa wenzetu kina Kasmuel watasimama hapa Busia miaka ishirini kutoka leo wakisema kwamba chama cha ODM kinaendelea,” he stated.

Secret to ODM’s longevity

Sifuna highlighted that ODM’s ability to withstand political upheavals and remain relevant stemmed from its adherence to core principles.

“Wengi wananiuiza chama hiki ni nini imeweka chama cha ODM mbaka sasa? Ukiangalia katiba ya ODM kipengele ya saba inasema ni maadili gani ambayo chama cha ODM inasimamia. Chama ambacho hakina maadili hakiwezi kudumu. Chama ambacho kinabuniwa tu ati sababu ya uchaguzi hakiwezi kudumu,” he explained.

He contrasted ODM’s durability with the fate of other political parties that dissolved after brief successes, despite having produced presidents.

“Ni chama ngapi tumeona ata wametoa marais lakini sasa hivi hawapo? Chama cha PNU cha Kibaki kiko wapi? Sisi bado tuko. Chama cha TNA munajua mahali kilienda? Na walitoa rais. Lakini ODM iko na ni kwa sababu tuna kitu kinaitwa maadili,” Sifuna noted.

Busia: ODM’s stronghold

Explaining why ODM chose Busia for its 20th-anniversary celebration, Sifuna cited the county’s unwavering support and high party membership registration.

“Na wengine wanauliza kwa nini tulileta hii hafla Busia? Tumeleta hii hafla Busia kwa sababu ukiangalia kwa sajili ya wanachana mheshimiwa Raila Odinga, kaunti ya Busia ndo nambari moja kwa usajili ya wanachama Kenya nzima. Kwa hivyo tunataka tutoe shukrani yetu kwa watu wa Busia,” he said.

Sifuna pointed out that Busia remains a bastion of ODM leadership, with the county overwhelmingly electing party candidates across various positions.

“Ata wakati mulienda kupiga kura mumetupea gavana ni mtu wa ODM, Women Rep mumetupatia Kipepeo mtu wa ODM na wabunge chungu mzima pamoja na MCAs majority wako ndani ya chama ya ODM,” he added.

Busia’s unwavering support for Raila

Since ODM’s formation, Busia has consistently backed party leader Raila Odinga in successive presidential elections.

In the 2022 General Election, ODM solidified its dominance in the county, winning five out of seven parliamentary seats, alongside electing Governor Paul Otuoma and Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo.

During the presidential vote, Busia voters reaffirmed their loyalty to Raila, awarding him 81.84% of the 266,711 votes tallied, compared to President William Ruto’s 17.48%.

The county had 416,765 registered voters in 2022, according to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) statistics.

As ODM marks 20 years in Kenyan politics, its leadership remains confident that the party’s strongholds, like Busia, will continue championing its cause for years to come.