ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga/FILE
The Orange Democratic Movement has thanked Kenyans, particularly its members and supporters, for exercising restraint and choosing peace during the June 25 anniversary commemorations, saying the conduct demonstrated commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Friday, the party said the peaceful observance of the anniversary reflected the call made by party leader Oburu Oginga while receiving the report of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations.
"By choosing peace over destruction, and respect for the Constitution and laws of this nation, you have demonstrated that our movement is driven by higher ideals, not chaos," the party said.
ODM also commended security agencies for helping maintain relative calm during the commemorations, but said there were instances where law enforcement officers could have acted better.
The party urged police to continue exercising maximum restraint during future demonstrations and to avoid the use of excessive force against unarmed civilians.
"We firmly reiterate that the right to peaceful assembly, demonstration, picketing and petition, as enshrined in Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, is inviolable," ODM said, adding that the rights must be exercised responsibly, peacefully and without arms.
According to the party, the appeal stems from its history, saying its supporters have borne the brunt of human rights violations during major political events, including the 2005 constitutional referendum, the 2007-08 post-election violence, the 2013 and 2017 General Elections, and protests held in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
ODM said many of its supporters had been shot, beaten, abducted, maimed, assaulted and killed while advocating for democratic governance and respect for the rule of law.
The party also praised residents of Kisumu county, saying they demonstrated civic responsibility by turning out in large numbers to register as voters instead of engaging in destructive protests.
"Instead of destructive protests, the people of Kisumu made a powerful statement by turning out in large numbers to register to vote in the 2027 General Elections," the statement said.
ODM further called on families and supporters of victims of human rights violations during the periods identified by the party to submit claims to the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations.
The party said the reparations programme presents an opportunity for national healing and restorative justice, urging affected families to provide their testimonies and evidence for consideration.
It also encouraged Kenyans to emulate Kisumu by registering as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying democratic change is best achieved through the ballot.
