The event marked ODM’s 20 years in national politics and brought together long-serving members who reflected on the party’s beginnings, growth, and future.
Speaking at the dinner, Ruto reminded the audience that his political story is closely linked to the early formation of ODM.
Ruto explained that before he left to pursue other political paths, he had served as ODM’s deputy party leader and was among the people who built the movement from the ground up.
“I am a founding member of ODM, and that is a fact. You cannot tell the story of William Ruto without mentioning the role I played in ODM,” he said.
The president also spoke about the two people he considers key in shaping his political life — the late retired President Daniel arap Moi and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
He praised Raila for his courage, sacrifice, and ability to unite leaders during difficult political moments.
Ruto mentioned that Raila’s leadership helped guide the country during the 2007 post-election crisis and other tense periods that followed.
According to him, Raila’s commitment to democracy, fairness, and inclusivity is something that ODM members should work hard to protect.
Ruto also rejected the idea that Raila was ever a tribal leader. He said Raila always reached out to communities across the country and built ODM into a party that represents Kenya, not one region.
Ruto said he chose to support and sponsor the founders’ dinner because ODM has maintained its identity as a national party with a clear ideology. He argued that strong political parties are important for Kenya’s democratic future.
He noted that ODM remains one of the few parties that have managed to grow beyond their founders and build roots in all parts of the country.
“ODM is not a briefcase party. It has a national character, and that is why I came to celebrate with them,” he said.
Ruto added that if parties like UDA, ODM, and others focus on ideas instead of tribal alliances or personality politics, Kenya will become more stable and united.
He encouraged other political groups to learn from ODM’s consistency, structure, and ability to bring together people from different regions.
During his speech, Ruto also praised Raila for discouraging hostility in politics despite being a strong competitor for many years.
He said Raila always chose national unity over conflict and was able to work with different governments even after losing elections.
Ruto urged ODM leaders to continue promoting peaceful political competition and to avoid internal divisions that may weaken the party after Raila’s death.
As the event came to an end, Ruto joined ODM leaders in dance and celebration, a moment that caught the attention of many Kenyans online.
He concluded by saying that ODM’s 20-year journey shows the importance of political parties that stand for real values.
He encouraged Kenyans to support national unity, peaceful competition, and strong party institutions, noting that these are the pillars of a stable democracy.
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