Although the event was meant to celebrate two decades of political struggle, unity, and sacrifice, it slowly turned into a moment where senior members openly explained where they believe the party should go next.
During the meeting, ODM Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga reminded members that the party is still part of the broad-based government arrangement that the late Raila Odinga approved before his passing.
According to him, ODM must honour that decision until 2027. However, he made it clear that the future will not be decided by fear, emotion, or pressure, but by a fresh discussion among party members when the election year arrives.
Dr. Oburu said he had always stood firmly on Raila’s side, both politically and as family, and had never betrayed him.
He noted that although some leaders claim loyalty to Raila, their actions in the past had shown otherwise.
He promised supporters that he would continue to protect Raila’s legacy, insisting that the seat he was given came with responsibility and courage.
He added that in 2027, the party will decide whether to walk alone or negotiate with others.
“We do not cross the bridge before reaching it,” he said, sending a message that ODM must prepare but also remain patient.
Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati supported Dr. Oburu’s position.
He encouraged ODM members to stop using slogans that divide the party into “one-term” and “two-term” camps.
According to Arati, the focus should be rebuilding ODM’s strength, demanding the implementation of the government’s promises, and ensuring the party is on the table when national leadership is decided in 2027.
He warned those trying to weaken the party, saying ODM would deal firmly with anyone attempting to break it apart.
However, not everyone shared the same view.
Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho delivered one of the strongest speeches of the day.
Joho reminded everyone that he had stood with ODM through difficult years, sacrificing his safety and political comfort.
He said some people had benefited from his loyalty yet were now pushing him out of the party he helped build.
Joho warned that he would not be used or sacrificed, and that anyone who provokes him should expect a response. His message was clear: loyalty should go both ways.
Another Deputy Party Leader, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, indirectly responded to remarks made by Siaya Governor James Orengo the previous day.
Orengo had said Mombasa became a strong ODM region because Raila intervened in land issues.
Nassir explained that Raila listened to the people and chose Orengo as Lands Minister because of the trust placed on him.
He emphasized that leadership is about hearing people’s problems before proposing solutions. He hinted that disagreement within the party should not be confused with disrespect.
A different tone came from Winnie Odinga, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who are seen as representing a new generation within ODM.
Winnie said the party should allow the people to decide who takes charge of ODM’s relationship with the broad-based government.
She suggested that the party should hold a National Delegates Conference to get clear direction from members.
Sifuna agreed, saying some questions require answers from the people, not leaders.
Babu Owino added that ODM must stand with Kenyans on issues such as rising costs of living.
If the government fails to deliver, he said, the party should not fear returning to the streets to defend citizens.
The anniversary event exposed three emerging groups inside ODM: those supporting the broad-based government, those opposing it, and those who prefer to stay neutral.
Though differences appeared, leaders insisted that the party’s future will be decided together as 2027 approaches.
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