East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament (MP) Winnie Odinga has affirmed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) remains a people-driven party, rooted in resistance and sustained by public conviction.

Speaking during the ODM at 20 celebrations in Mombasa, on November 14, 2025, she said the movement’s history continues to define its identity.

“ODM was born from protest, raised in resistance, and it still belongs to the people,” she told thousands of supporters gathered for the anniversary event.

Reflecting on the party’s two-decade journey, the daughter of the late Raila Odinga described ODM as a vessel of national struggle.

“It has been the heartbeat of the Kenyan people for 20 years. ODM was born from protest, it was raised in resistance, and the people of ODM have time and time again bled, sweat, and shed tears for this country called Kenya,” she said as the crowd applauded.

Acknowledges flaws, defends party’s activism

Winnie addressed the party’s shortcomings but said its commitment to defending public interests remains unchanged.

“We are sorry that we don’t always get it right poleni. But we will never be sorry for being inconvenient,” she stated, responding to critics who accuse ODM of disruption.

She also took on the long-standing label of ODM as unruly. “They like to call us a party of goons. What we’re doing is nation-building. Nation-building is untidy. Nation-building is inconvenient. Nation-building is uncomfortable. Nation-building has left us in tears as ODM, as a people’s party, time and time again,” she said, linking the party’s activism to broader national transformation efforts.

Also watch: Senator Eddy Oketch pays emotional tribute to Raila at ODM @20 in Mombasa

Youth conviction as ODM’s driving force

Looking ahead, Winnie said the party continues to draw its strength from ordinary citizens, particularly the younger generation.

“But we ODM belong to the people and we will continue growing because the young people of ODM have conviction,” she said. Referring to the youth in attendance, she added, “It means something. It means something that after Baba’s death, these young people are still sitting in this place because they have conviction.”

She reinforced the message with a Swahili reflection connecting ODM’s founding ideals to its present trajectory. “Miaka 20 iliyopita, ODM ilizaliwa kutokana na ndoto, ya Kenya ambapo kila kijana ako na nafasi ya kustawi, ambapo haki inatawala na ambapo mstakabali wetu unaundwa na viongozi wanaosikiliza, leo, ndoto hiyo inaendelea kuwaka mioyoni mwetu, na vijana wenye tuko hapa tuzidi kusonga mbele kwa ujasiri,” she said, drawing energetic cheers.