Pomp and colour as ODM marks 20th birthday in Kisii

Pomp and colour as ODM marks 20th birthday in Kisii

ODM party leader Raila Odinga was a no show in Kisii Friday at an event meant to mark the party’s 20 years since its launch.

No single ODM MP from Kisii and Nyamira counties also showed up save for nominated senator Irene Mayaka.

But officials said it was not a must to them to attend.

Raila posted a message on his facebook to thank the locals for the event.

“The People’s Party ODM has celebrated 20years of resilience in Kisii. Massive reception. Mbuya mno Kisii!!!” a post said.

By Friday dawn, some hundreds had turned at the 30,000 sitter stadium but as time went by, anxiety grew, tempers rose and chairs flew helter skelter.

Key ODM party officials who turned up including Homabay and Kisii Governor’s Gladys Wanga and Arati however used the occasion to affirm that the party would not play opposition politics forever and that “they must serve in the government of the day”.

Going forward, the duo stated, the party must form or be part of the future governments.

Wanga is the Party Chairperson while Arati is Deputy Party leader Simba Arati.

National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohammed who was in attendance said the ODM has remained in the fringes of opposition politics for far too long.

“We cannot keep playing second fiddle, we must be part of the decision making of the state,”stated Mohammed.

Also in attendance were governors Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Ochillo Ayacko (Migori) and Vihiga senator Godfrey Osotsi

Wanga said the party would still continue to heed to the “counsel ” of party chair Raila Odinga.

National party celebrations would be marked in Mombasa between October 10 and 12 2025.

“We are now preparing ourselves for the national celebrations which will be in Mombasa. The next government will be of ODM. We will form a government, or we will work together to form the next government,” added Wanga.

She said even at his advanced age, Odinga’s wisdom would continue to provide the guiding light to the party .

“Our leader is Raila Amolo Odinga. When he says left, we go there, if it is right we equally follow,” Wanga said while adding that the party will continue to receive massive support in Gusii and the entire Nyanza region for many years to come.

Governor Arati also echoed similar sentiments.