By Eddah Waithaka
A faction of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) founder members and Nairobi leaders publicly broke ranks with the party on Saturday, demanding the immediate postponement of its planned 20th-anniversary celebrations to honor the legacy of the late Raila Odinga.
Former Makadara lawmaker Reuben Ndolo led the group and read a statement that framed the planned festivities as a betrayal of the principles Odinga embodied.
“Our nation stands in the shadow of a great loss. The sun of Kenya’s democracy has dimmed. The mighty tree that sheltered so many of us through the storms of struggle has fallen,” Ndolo declared, capturing the group’s somber mood.
The dissenting leaders eulogized Odinga not just as a politician, but as the foundational figure of Kenyan democracy. They recounted his sacrifices enduring prison, exile, and persecution and argued that proceeding with a celebration would disrespect his memory.
“Raila was not merely a man, he was a movement,” Ndolo stated. “He carried the dreams of generations upon his shoulders, and even when the weight was unbearable, he never faltered.”
The group directly challenged the party’s leadership, invoking Odinga’s character to make their case. “Let us remember who Raila was: a man who always put country before self, people before politics, and truth before convenience,” Ndolo said. “It would not be right to dance when the man who taught us to march for justice has just fallen.”
Instead of a party, the elders called for a period of national reflection and “solemn unity.” They urged ODM members and all Kenyans to honor Odinga by rededicating themselves to the values of “peace, equality, democracy, and love for Kenya.”
The public disagreement signals a significant rift within ODM, pitting the party’s original founders against its current administrative wing.
This move places considerable pressure on the party leadership to cancel or indefinitely delay the anniversary events or risk appearing disconnected from the grassroots emotions surrounding Odinga’s passing.
Ndolo concluded with a rallying cry, assuring supporters that Odinga’s spirit still guides them. “Raila Odinga’s voice may be silent, but his spirit speaks louder than ever,” he said.
