Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supporters in Laikipia County have vowed to remain in the broad-based government while urging President William Ruto to implement the ten-point agenda he signed with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The supporters, led by the party’s Laikipia chairman, John Orengo, made the pledge during a candle-lighting ceremony in Nanyuki town to mark the first anniversary of Odinga’s death.
Orengo said the best way to honour the late opposition leader, whom he described as a defender of the Constitution, was to respect his wishes, including supporting President Ruto’s administration beyond 2027.
“As ODM supporters in Laikipia, we have vowed to remain where Raila left us. We will obey, collaborate with President William Ruto and work beyond 2027, as that was the former Prime Minister’s wish,” said Orengo.
He also appealed to members who had defected to other political parties to return to ODM, saying unity was essential to preserving Odinga’s legacy.
“Even those who are roaming everywhere, we know they will return because if you loved Raila, you could not leave where he left you. The party has been here for more than 20 years, so those trying to join other parties should come back and help us build his legacy,” he said.
The supporters described Odinga as a constitutional defender who championed the interests of ordinary Kenyans. They said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on his lifelong commitment to democracy, justice and national unity.
Rose Muiru, the ODM elections chairperson in Laikipia, said Odinga had dedicated his life to democracy and the welfare of ordinary citizens while building the party as a platform for Kenyans.
“We are remembering how he lived. He lived for democracy, justice and the common person. He built ODM for all of us and taught us to forgive and put Kenya first,” said Muiru.
She acknowledged that the period following Odinga’s death had been difficult for the party but said members remained committed to keeping his vision alive.
Despite Laikipia being located in the Mount Kenya region, the county has a sizeable ODM following. Two members of the County Assembly were elected on the party’s ticket in the 2022 General Election, while a former legislator, Mathew Lekidime Lempurkel, who was elected on a PDM ticket, represented Laikipia North Constituency from 2013 to 2017.
By Muturi Mwangi
