By Staff Writer |  Wajir Today | Saturday, 20 September 2025

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) convened a pre-anniversary rally in Wajir town on Saturday, drawing supporters from across the northeastern region. The event, held at Waberi Primary School, was a precursor to the party’s grand 20th anniversary celebration scheduled for next month in Mombasa.

The gathering brought together political heavyweights and local leaders, including Mombasa Governor and Deputy Party Leader Abdulsamad Sharif Nassir, Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, Minority Leader in the National Assembly Junet Mohamed, as well as MPs, MCAs, and delegates from various counties.

Speaking at the event, Mandera East MP Hussein Weytan praised the longevity of ODM compared to other Kenyan political parties.

“This is the only party that has reached twenty years. Many parties last only two to three years. We are enjoying democracy because of Raila Odinga,” Weytan said, highlighting the perceived role of ODM in shaping Kenya’s democratic landscape.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko echoed these sentiments, focusing on the benefits of devolution for the northeastern region.

“Devolution has helped the Northeast at large. Wajir was marginalized with no roads and limited health facilities. It has been a long journey to bring change, freedom of association, and development. We are happy to be in ODM, a party that unites Kenyans” Mboko said, reflecting the aspirations and frustrations of residents who have long sought equitable access to services.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi highlighted ODM’s cross-government involvement, pointing out the party’s historical role across successive administrations.

“We are in ODM, a party that has helped all governments. It helped Moi, Kibaki, Uhuru, and is now helping the government of President William Ruto” Mwinyi said.

Minority Leader Junet Mohamed addressed the audience, emphasizing the national footprint of ODM in contrast to other political parties.

“There is no other party in Kenya that can celebrate 20 years like ODM. It is the only party with true national representation. All other parties are tribal, religious, or regional” he said

Wajir Speaker Abdille Yussuf reinforced the party’s commitment to devolution. “ODM will either form the next government or will be in the next government. ODM is the mother and father of devolution” he said.

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama described ODM as a vehicle for both devolution and development.

“We are happy to be here in Wajir to celebrate the 20th anniversary of ODM. ODM is a party of devolution and development,” he said, drawing attention to the political and structural gains that have accompanied the party’s two decades of existence.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who also serves as National Organising Secretary for ODM, acknowledged the central role Raila Odinga has played in stabilizing the country since the 2007 elections.

“We are waiting for the direction of Baba. If he says left, it is left; if he says right, it is right,” Abdullahi said

Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga addressed the importance of the northeastern counties in the party’s 20-year story.

“ODM’s 20-year story cannot be told without mentioning the significant role of Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera. Today we convened in Wajir town to reflect on our journey and build towards a solid and orange future,” Wanga said, framing the event as both celebratory and strategic.

Mombasa Governor Abdulsamad Sharif Nassir, who is also the party’s Deputy Leader, focused on democracy and human rights as core principles underpinning ODM’s legacy

“We are here today to celebrate 20 years of democracy and protection of human rights. There is no better political teacher than Raila Amollo Odinga. It cannot be erased from the history of Kenya,” said the Mombasa Governor

Nassir emphasised the importance of lifting the national ID vetting process for people of the Northeastern region, noting that the current system has subjected communities to discrimination, delays, and unnecessary hardships.

“One of the reasons we support a broad-based government is the issue of abolishing ID vetting. There are those who called us terrorists, but we are telling them , we  now have identity cards, and when it comes to the election of 2027, we will have a voice and get what we want. That is the Kenya we want,” he said.

While speeches largely focused on the party’s history and achievements, the event underscored the strategic importance of the northeastern region for ODM as the party prepares for its milestone anniversary in Mombasa.