CS Health Aden Duale Reflects on 20 Years of ODM, Praises Democratic Legacy of Late Raila Odinga

 

Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale has saluted the 20th anniversary of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), describing his own political journey as deeply intertwined with the party’s history and its steadfast defense of democracy.

In a heartfelt statement, Duale recalled how he, along with other founding members — including now President William Ruto — helped establish ODM two decades ago, believing Kenya needed a broader and more inclusive democratic space.

“When ODM opened its doors twenty years ago, we … were among the founder and ranking members who believed that Kenya deserved a wider democratic horizon and a louder, freer voice,” Duale said.

He noted that it was via ODM that he first entered Parliament in 2007, representing the people of Dujis Constituency. Though his political path has since changed, he emphasized that the core principle that has guided his public service has remained the same — democracy.

“One truth has never left my compass: democracy. It is the thread that has stitched together every chapter of my public life.”

Honouring Raila Odinga’s Legacy

Duale paid special tribute to the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, whom he described as a towering figure in Kenya’s democratic journey.

“When we speak of democracy in this country, we speak the name of one man who lived for it, suffered for it … The Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. Baba.”

He remembered Odinga’s long struggle — the sacrifices, the bruising battles, and the unyielding courage — and said his fight ensured Kenyans could speak up and not fear their own voice.

“Even when we disagreed … he stood, sometimes alone, sometimes wounded, but always firm in the belief that Kenya must never shrink its freedoms. That is his enduring gift.”

Duale urged Kenyans to honor Odinga’s legacy by defending the democratic space he fought so hard to protect.

Celebrating ODM’s Journey Amid New Alliances

Reflecting on his current service under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Duale said that shifting political alliances have not weakened the values he cherishes: democracy and delivery.

“Over the years, political paths have shifted … But in all these seasons of change, one truth has never left my compass: democracy.”

He asserted that while ODM laid the foundation of his political life, UDA represents the next phase of Kenya’s development — a party that still upholds democratic ideals but places greater emphasis on service delivery.

“President Ruto … has held high the value of democracy, but he has also added a new weight to that letter D: delivery. Democracy must speak and delivery must answer.”

A Message of Gratitude and Continuity

On ODM’s 20th anniversary, Duale expressed deep appreciation for the party’s role in nurturing political leadership.

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

He added that while his political colors have shifted — from orange to yellow — the hope they represent is fundamentally the same.

“In the grand canvas of our politics, colours often tell stories. Orange shaped my early steps, Yellow guides my work today … these colours are not opposites. They carry the same hope, just in different shades.”

He concluded his remarks by celebrating ODM’s milestone:“Happy 20th Anniversary to the Orange Democratic Movement; two decades of struggle, sacrifice and steadfast belief in our democracy!”