Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has expressed delight after earning the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Distinguished Service Award during the ongoing party anniversary, marking its 20 years of existence.

Speaking shortly after ODM members gathered for a founders’ dinner on Saturday, November 15, 2025, in Mombasa, Asige took to X on Sunday, November 16, 2025, to express gratitude to the party for the award.

Asige also took the opportunity to extend her gratitude to the ODM founding members, as well as joining the celebrations to mark 20 years of its formation.

Asige elated

”A ‘Distinguished Service Award (Gold)’ for my contribution to the ODM. I acknowledge and appreciate those who were there when it started, especially our founding father, but I also salute the solid ones who stayed steadfast for 20 years, as well as those of us charged to carry it forward for the next 20,” Asige said.

The legislator also regretted that she won the award in the absence of the late ODM party leader Raila Odinga, suggesting that it would have been great if Odinga had presented it to her. Raila Odinga died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The ODM@20 celebrations at the coast are also meant to celebrate 80 years of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his contributions to the party and the country at large.

Also watch: Babu Owino says the spirit that Raila planted shall live on.

Remembering Raila’s legacy

”Thank you most sincerely to the few ODM members who have supported me from day one. And above all, thank you, Baba, for leaving me with this gift that I will remember always. Smiling at the thought that it would have been you handing this over to me if it were just one month ago, like you had planned. Still, I am honoured and humbled that you chose me again – one last time,” she added.

Earlier, Crystral Asige reflected on the legacy left behind by Raila Odinga.

”Baba went up to the mountaintop and saw the promise of a better Kenya. He knew he might not reach it himself… but he taught us that together, we can.”

“The journey continues, and it will take all of us to finish it. In all his years of service, one thing Baba held close was inclusion. Grateful to speak at our ODM Disability League Event, as we celebrate ODM and honour a party leader who saw us and heard us,’ she said.