Raila: My political direction next week will be in the interest of Kenyans
ODM party leader Raila Odinga addresses leaders and his supporters during the party's 20th anniversary celebrations at Bukiri Primary School in Busia County on February 28, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Mr Odinga gave the assurance even as his party released him officially to engage the government.
- Mr Sifuna and Mr Orengo cautioned the party members to be careful not to lose the party's identity.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has maintained that the move he will make and announce next week will be in the interest of all Kenyans.
Mr Odinga left Kenyans guessing about his next move after he maintained that he will continue with his consultations before announcing his next direction.
Mr Odinga, whose comments have sparked widespread speculation about his political direction, said that his party will continue to fight for the rights of Kenyans.
Mr Odinga made the statement amidst concern among his allies and supporters that he will abandon the struggle for good governance by embracing President William Ruto who is being accused of steering the country in the wrong direction.
"I am going to continue consulting to ensure that we take a direction that will prioritise the needs and rights of Kenyans. We will not joke around," said Mr Odinga.
The ODM leader was speaking in Funyula, Busia County on Friday, during the commemoration of the party's 20th anniversary.
During the celebrations, Mr Odinga gave the history of the ODM Party stemming from clamour for a new constitution where they rejected a watered down document giving the birth to the Orange Party.
He said that the party will retain its ideals of being a pro-people outfit.
He also stated that he knew what he was doing, saying the ODM Party makes decisions after thinking through them.
“Our party has a manifesto and direction. We do not follow people blindly and without a course, we do so with a reason. ODM has its ideals and we will continue fighting for the rights and interests of the people.
The event was attended by the party’s top brass including the interim Party Leader Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, the three Deputy Party Leaders Governor Simba Arati, Abdulswamad Nassir, Godfrey Osotsi, Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
Mr Odinga gave the assurance even as his party released him officially to engage the government, pledging to follow him wherever he takes them.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga cuts a cake during the party's 20th anniversary celebrations at Bukiri Primary School in Busia County on February 28, 2025.
Ms Wanga said over the last 20 years, the party bore fruits while it has also managed to stay strong due to the leadership of Mr Odinga.
"Raila is currently doing consultations across the country. Once you are done, we will follow whatever you say, if you say we move left or right, we will follow, if you say fire, we fire," she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by Mr Arati who, while recognising the role of President Ruto during the Africa Union Commission campaigns, said the party is preparing for the 2027 general elections.
"As a party, we must take leadership. We are prepared for 2027.By any means, either ourselves or through coalition, we must take leadership of this country," he said.
He urged Mr Odinga to carry on with his consultations and ensure that justice is served for the victims of police brutality. He cautioned the party members whom he said were behaving with disrespect.
"As deputy party leader, I follow Mr Odinga. We will deal with those who lack respect. I am requesting that we hold each other’s hands and move forward," he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo cautioned the party members to be careful not to lose the party's identity.
“We want ODM to continue to be the strongest party. It is a big party because of Raila Amollo Odinga who has a principle stand on issues. ODM is a party with an identity, manifesto and with a direction. I ask all members to remain steadfast and not allow the party to lose its identity as a progressive movement,” said Mr Orengo.
Just like Mr Arati, he insisted that ODM must capture power in this country saying it is not over until it is done.
“We have an ideology and direction. ODM must take the lead and cannot be swallowed, it is the party to swallow others,” said Mr Orengo.
Roots Party Leader George Wajackoyah who was also present said it is high time Kenyans know that change is coming soon.
He vowed to stick with Mr Odinga as his former allies continue to coalesce around former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Leader of the Minority in the National Assembly Mr Junet Mohamed stated that while other parties continue falling out, ODM has remained steadfast and will always be a pro-people party.