Vihiga Senator and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi has revealed that Raila Odinga’s final counsel to the party leadership was a call for unity and inclusivity.

Speaking at a local TV station on Monday, October 20, 2025, Osotsi said that in one of his private conversations with the late ODM leader, Raila emphasized the importance of keeping the party strong and welcoming to all Kenyans regardless of tribe or political background.

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“In my private meeting with Raila Odinga, he said the ODM Party must remain strong, bring in more people, and have a strategy to gather all and scatter none,” Osotsi stated.

He described Raila as a selfless statesman who believed in building bridges and fostering unity among Kenyans, not divisions.

“Raila never believed in tribalism. Some of those closest to him were not even Luo. He never held grudges, even with those who differed with him politically,” Osotsi added.

Further he revealed that in the months leading up to his passing, Raila had been deeply excited about the party’s upcoming 20th anniversary and had laid out detailed plans to mark the occasion in a grand way.

“Raila was enthusiastic about ODM turning 20, and I think he may have had a premonition about his death. The plan was to celebrate the anniversary for three days. There’s an irony given the 72 hours within which he wished to be buried,” Osotsi stated.

The anniversary

ODM announced the postponement of its 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, originally set for October 10–12, 2025.

The decision, released in a press statement on Friday, October 3, aims to expand the party’s outreach across more counties, ensuring a more inclusive commemoration of two decades of resilience and commitment to democracy.

The postponement followed a consultative meeting held at the Serena Hotel with party leader Raila Odinga.

According to the statement signed by Minority Leader Junet Mohammed and National Assembly Chairman, several counties have requested engagement as part of the ODM@20 events.

“Consequently, the final preparations and main event in Mombasa have been rescheduled to 14th to 16th November 2025.”

While celebrations have already been hosted in Busia, Wajir, Kisii, and Narok, strong calls from Kajiado, Turkana, Kilifi, and Nairobi prompted the leadership to extend the program.

Odinga approved the expansion to allow more regions to participate ahead of the grand finale.

“To date, the ODM@20 celebrations have been successfully hosted in Busia, Wajir, Kisii, and Narok counties. However, there remains a strong call from other regions across the country for us to extend this historic commemoration to their areas as well to enable those who cannot travel to Mombasa to be part of the fete,” read in part.