By Jacob Ng’etich
Prime Cabinet Secretary Dr. Musalia Mudavadi was on the weekend presented with an honorary Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party Founder’s Certificate during an exclusive colourful dinner in Mombasa which celebrated the party’s origins.
The ceremony, which drew hundreds of attendees, marked two decades since the birth of the Orange Democratic Movement and served as a reunion for the party’s original architects. The evening atmosphere was filled with nostalgia and unity, as longtime members rekindled the spirit that has defined the Chungwa family over the years.
Dr. Mudavadi, who also holds the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs docket, said the gathering offered an opportunity to look back on ODM’s long political journey — from the charged 2005 referendum campaigns to the rise of a formidable movement that has shaped national politics for twenty years. The event was attended by President Dr. William Ruto.
“The absence of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga is deeply felt, reminding us of a leader whose courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism steadied our nation through defining moments,”
Dr. Mudavadi said, reflecting on the former ODM leader’s influence.
He went on to praise Raila’s character and leadership, recalling moments when the former Prime Minister demonstrated selflessness by consistently prioritising the nation.
“During the constitution-making process, he stepped back from the push for a parliamentary system but firmly safeguarded the inclusion of devolution, a choice that transformed our governance structure,”
Dr. Mudavadi said.
He emphasised Raila’s respect for constitutionalism even during periods of intense political contest. Recalling the historic Kofi Annan–led peace talks, he noted:
“When we had the Kofi Annan talks, Raila ensured that it went through parliament where he entered it, so that it was adopted by the House to have legal backing.”
Dr. Mudavadi also commended ODM’s leadership for steering a political party that has endured the test of time, unlike many others that have faded away. With the movement now considered to have reached its maturity, he urged the leadership to continue pursuing programmes that benefit citizens, push forward progressive agendas and build cohesion through regular consultation.
“The Orange spirit remains vibrant, and the journey ahead is filled with promise,”
he said.
The Mombasa dinner brought together both founding members and the current crop of elected leaders within ODM. During the celebrations, the party awarded honorary certificates to Dr. Mudavadi, President Ruto and former Minister Henry Kosgey in recognition of their foundational roles in establishing the party.
