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Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho says President William Ruto’s attendance at the Orange Democratic Movement’s 20th anniversary should not be viewed as unusual.
ODM is marking its two decades of political activism and struggle with a three-day celebration at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa, running from Friday to Sunday. The event also honours the legacy of the late party leader Raila Odinga, whom interim leader Oburu Odinga has credited with shaping Kenya’s modern democratic landscape.
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President Ruto is among the invited guests and is expected to participate in Saturday’s events, including the Founders’ Dinner at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort.
Speaking to Citizen TV, Joho stressed that Ruto’s involvement aligns with his history in the party.
“The truth is simple — President William Ruto was part of ODM’s founding team. That’s a fact that remains, no matter what happened later,” Joho said.
Joho—now part of the inclusive government formed after a working pact between Ruto and Raila following the 2024 Gen Z protests—outlined ODM’s roots, citing early contributions from Ruto and former ministers Henry Kosgey, Frankline Bett and Najib Balala.
“These leaders were involved from the beginning, so Ruto attending the anniversary shouldn’t raise concerns,” he said.
ODM was born in the aftermath of Kenya’s contentious 2005 referendum, during which Raila led the “No” campaign against the proposed constitution. The referendum outcome strengthened a political wave that eventually formed the ODM party in 2007.
Over the years, ODM established itself as a force for political reform, democracy and inclusion, significantly influencing Kenya’s multiparty politics.
The political cooperation between Ruto and Raila marked a major shift after years of rivalry dating back to the grand coalition era following the disputed 2007 election.
Joho added that several other ODM founders were also invited to the celebrations, noting that the anniversary should be viewed as a reflection on the party’s history — not a political signal.
“If someone was part of creating this movement, I see no issue with them joining in its celebration. Twenty years later, the party is still strong,” he said.
Raila’s death has sparked debates within ODM, with some members questioning the party’s political direction ahead of 2027. While critics push for a stand-alone presidential candidate, others back continued cooperation with government, as outlined in the 10-point agreement signed on March 7.
