While the spotlight often shines on ODM’s top leaders, few Kenyans know that Wangui played a key role in the party’s formation back in 2005.
Working alongside lawyer Mugambi Imanyara, she helped legally register ODM at a time when Kenya’s political scene was deeply divided by the 2005 constitutional referendum.
In an interview, Wangui recalled that her motivation to join politics stemmed from her upbringing in Dandora, where she witnessed poor governance and neglected public services.
In an interview, Wangui recalled that her motivation to join politics stemmed from her upbringing in Dandora, where she witnessed poor governance and neglected public services.
“Seeing how ordinary people suffered from bad leadership made me want to be part of change,” she said.
When the 2005 referendum split the nation between the “Yes” camp (symbolized by a banana) and the “No” camp (represented by an orange), the Orange movement grew rapidly under Raila Odinga’s leadership. At that time, however, it still lacked official registration as a political party.
Wangui and Imanyara stepped in to fill that gap. She registered ODM and took up the role of Secretary General, unaware that her small office decision would later fuel one of Kenya’s most powerful political movements.
Wangui’s defining moment came one evening when she received a surprise visit.
When the 2005 referendum split the nation between the “Yes” camp (symbolized by a banana) and the “No” camp (represented by an orange), the Orange movement grew rapidly under Raila Odinga’s leadership. At that time, however, it still lacked official registration as a political party.
Wangui and Imanyara stepped in to fill that gap. She registered ODM and took up the role of Secretary General, unaware that her small office decision would later fuel one of Kenya’s most powerful political movements.
Wangui’s defining moment came one evening when she received a surprise visit.
“An acquaintance called me and said that Raila Odinga was outside my house. I couldn’t believe it until I saw him sitting in a car waiting for me,” she recounted.
Raila reportedly told her that she had “something he needed” — referring to the legal registration of ODM.
Raila reportedly told her that she had “something he needed” — referring to the legal registration of ODM.
Wangui did not hesitate to hand over control of the party to Raila, believing he was best placed to lead Kenya’s reform agenda.
“I didn’t think twice. He had the vision and the people’s trust,” Wangui said.
“I didn’t think twice. He had the vision and the people’s trust,” Wangui said.
“To me, it wasn’t about fame — it was about helping Kenya move forward.”
After transferring the party’s ownership, she accepted a new role as Secretary for Special Programmes, while Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o took over as ODM’s Secretary General.
That single act would prove historic. Without Wangui’s early registration of ODM, Raila’s political movement might never have had the legal platform it needed.
After transferring the party’s ownership, she accepted a new role as Secretary for Special Programmes, while Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o took over as ODM’s Secretary General.
That single act would prove historic. Without Wangui’s early registration of ODM, Raila’s political movement might never have had the legal platform it needed.
ODM went on to become the driving force behind the country’s fight for constitutional reform, devolution, and greater political freedom — what many historians now call Kenya’s “second liberation.”
Over the years, Wangui has remained loyal to Raila and ODM, even when political tides turned against them.
“I have never betrayed Baba,” she said proudly.
Over the years, Wangui has remained loyal to Raila and ODM, even when political tides turned against them.
“I have never betrayed Baba,” she said proudly.
“Even when it wasn’t easy to support him, especially coming from Mt. Kenya, I stood by him. To me, Raila is the greatest man to have walked on Kenyan soil.”
Wangui later served as Raila Odinga’s Youth Affairs Advisor when he was Prime Minister. She also contested for the Embakasi North parliamentary seat on an ODM ticket, though she did not win.
Today, as ODM celebrates two decades since its birth, Wangui remains a symbol of loyalty and courage — a woman who quietly made history without seeking recognition.
ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations are taking place at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa, with tributes planned for Raila Odinga’s lifelong struggle for democracy.
Wangui later served as Raila Odinga’s Youth Affairs Advisor when he was Prime Minister. She also contested for the Embakasi North parliamentary seat on an ODM ticket, though she did not win.
Today, as ODM celebrates two decades since its birth, Wangui remains a symbol of loyalty and courage — a woman who quietly made history without seeking recognition.
ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations are taking place at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa, with tributes planned for Raila Odinga’s lifelong struggle for democracy.
The three-day event, themed as a commemoration rather than a jubilee, will feature speeches from national leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, and Uhuru Kenyatta.
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