Uhuru to ODM: Keep alive Raila’s fight for democracy, accountability and inclusion

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to uphold the legacy of the late leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a message read by ODM Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, Uhuru described Raila as the driving force behind Kenya’s long struggle for justice and political reform.

In the message to ODM members during their 20 years anniversary celebration in Mombasa, Uhuru said the party must remain anchored in the values that defined Raila’s decades-long push for a more equitable country.

He said Raila’s absence continued to be deeply felt across the nation.

“Wanachama wa ODM, today, as we celebrate this milestone, my heart is emotionally heavy as I remember my brother and friend and compatriot, Raila Odinga. May his soul rest in peace,” Uhuru said.

He described Raila as more than a party leader, calling him the spirit of his struggle and the embodiment of courage, endurance and unwavering belief in the Kenyan dream.

According to Uhuru, Raila’s sacrifices and leadership shaped not only movements for justice but also the trajectory of Kenya’s political evolution.

“Baba was not just a leader of ODM. He was the spirit of his struggle… His courage, resilience and selflessness shaped not just the justice movement, but the very cause of Kenya's political evolution,” he said.

Uhuru called on ODM members to carry forward Raila’s mission for democracy, accountability and inclusion.

He urged the party to champion a vision of a country where no child goes hungry and where justice is accessible to all, not only the privileged.

“Let us keep alive his fight for democracy, accountability and inclusion. Let us make real his vision of a Kenya where no child goes hungry, where justice is not for the privileged few, and where every Kenyan, young or old, has an equal opportunity to thrive,” he said.

Uhuru expressed hope that ODM’s next chapter would reflect renewal, growth and a firm commitment to building a nation that guarantees dignity and opportunity for all citizens.

“May the next phase of ODM be a testament of renewal, growth and steadfast commitment to building a Kenya that truly belongs to all her citizens,” he said.

During the anniversary that has been celebrated over the last three days, ODM also invited founding members including President William Ruto.

The party also used the time to remember the life and times of the former PM, led by his children Raila Junior and East African Legislative Assembly MP, Winnie Odinga.