Garissa leaders praise ODM party on its 20th anniversary

Garissa County ODM chairman Mohamed Ali, commonly known as Amin Comp.

ODM leaders from Garissa have heaped praise on the party, saying it has not only been a formidable opposition outfit but a pillar of national healing and stability.

The leaders, who included Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, spoke in Garissa during an event to celebrate the party’s 20th anniversary—part of the wider celebrations that will culminate in Mombasa.

“It is with immense pride and deep gratitude that I stand before you today, not just as the Governor of Garissa county, but as a proud member of a political movement that has, for two decades, stood at the heart of Kenya’s democratic journey,” he said.

Jama acknowledged the party’s role in national unity, describing Raila Odinga as a true statesman, who has come through for the country at its hour of need on several occasions.

“Time and again, the former PM has been called upon to lead in moments of crisis. And time and again, he has chosen Kenya over self. He has sacrificed ambition for stability. He has embraced rivals for the sake of unity," he said.

"That, my friends, is the true mark of a statesman. All we can do is to pray to God that he continues giving him good health and a long life because Kenya truly needs him.” 

“There are more than 100 parties in this country. But over the years, ODM has not only been a formidable opposition party, but a pillar of national healing and stability. During the most turbulent moments in our country—be it post-election crises, ethnic tensions, or constitutional deadlocks—ODM has always been a voice of reason, a champion for dialogue and a bridge for peace.”

Jama, who is serving his last term as a governor and has shown interest for the Senate seat, said going forward, together with other party officials, they will continue strengthening the party to ensure it remains vibrant on the ground.

Garissa county ODM chairman Mohamed Ali said the party has remained steadfast in championing human rights and promoting economic empowerment.

Ali, commonly known as Amin Comp, said the party will continue speaking boldly for the voiceless, calling on the pastoralist communities to always feel at home in the party.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we must look ahead. There’s still much work to do. But with unity, determination and continued dedication to the principles that ODM was built on, we will achieve even greater successes for Garissa and all of Kenya,” he said.

ODM nominated MCA Timira Bishar said the party has walked the talk by nominating women to the National Assembly and county assemblies in line with the constitutional imperative for gender equality.

“Today, I speak not just as a member of the county assembly from Garissa, but as a woman leader, who is a product of a party that truly believes in inclusion and the power of women’s voices,”  she said.

“Our party has ensured that women are not just token participants, but central decision-makers, actively shaping policy, governance and the future of this nation. As a daughter from Garissa county—a region where women have often faced numerous barriers to political participation—I am especially proud to be standing here, thanks to a party that recognises that leadership knows no gender,” Bishar said.