ODM at 20: Aden Duale Remembers His First Entry to Parliament on ODM Ticket

Kenya, 14 November 2025 – As Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders and members pour to Mombasa to mark 20 years since its founding, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reflected on his political journey, crediting the party as the cradle of his public life.

He said it is through that party that he first set foot in Parliament in 2007, to represent the people of Dujis Constituency.

Even though he affirmed his current allegiance to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under the leadership of President William Ruto, he revealed that ODM opened many doors for him.

“When ODM opened its doors 20 years ago, I and President William Ruto were among the founding members who believed Kenya needed a broader democratic horizon,” Mr Duale said in a post on his X account.

Though political paths have shifted and alliances realigned, Duale insisted that democracy remains the unchanging thread stitching every chapter of his career.

“Parties may change and paths may diverge, but the legacy remains,” he declared.

Central to his tribute was the late ODM leader Raila Amolo Odinga, whom he called “Baba.”

Duale described Odinga’s life as a long walk of sacrifice and courage.

“There were moments he carried the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders. Moments when he bled so that the rest of us could breathe freely,” he wrote.

The Health CS noted that Odinga was at the front row in fight for more democratic space, insisting that no Kenyan should fear their own voice.

Duale urged that Kenyans owe Odinga the protection of the democratic space he fought for lifelong.

“There were moments he carried the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders. Moments when he bled so that the rest of us could breathe freely. Even when we disagreed, even when the country wavered, he did not. He stood, sometimes alone, sometimes wounded, but always firm in the belief that Kenya must never shrink its freedoms. That is his enduring gift,” he said.

As ODM marks its twentieth anniversary, Duale joined the celebration not merely as a former member but as a grateful beneficiary of its history and vision.

“The party gave me my first platform of service, and that is a debt I acknowledge with humility,” he said.

He also praised President Ruto for upholding democracy while adding a new emphasis: delivery.

In a poetic flourish, Duale reflected on political colours.

While orange shaped his early steps, yellow – UDA - guides his work today.

“Yellow is the future we saw,” Duale stated.

The ODM Party delegates, convening at the Port City of Mombasa on Thursday, officially swore in Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as the new Party Leader.

Dr Oginga, who is the elder brother of the late [Raila] Odinga, will be deputised by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kisii Governor Paul Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was confirmed as National Chairperson, while MPs Otiende Amollo (Rarieda Constituency, Siaya County), and John Ariko (Turkana South Constituency, Turkana County) were named Deputy Chairpersons.

Governor Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir County), who is also the Council of Governors (COG) Chairperson, was appointed National Organising Secretary, Ms Ruth Odinga (Kisumu County Woman Representative) as Deputy Organising Secretary, and Ms Rozaah Buyu (Kisumu West Constituency) as Secretary for Political Affairs.

ODM supporters in their thousands are travelling to Mombasa for the ODM’s colourful event.

In anticipation of the weekend surge, Kenya Railways has announced additional Madaraka Express services for Friday, 14 November 2025, and Saturday, 15 November 2025.

The official public notice details the following schedules:

Day

Route

Departure