Country’s hopes depend on us, says Raila
What you need to know:
- Mr Odinga further described ODM as the only party that stood for equity, inclusivity, a nation free of corruption.
- He dismissed the Jubilee Party merger saying the move is tantamount to returning the country to the yesteryears of one party rule.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) marked its 10th birthday with its leader Raila Odinga describing the party as the epitome of the country’s liberation from forces of “impunity” and “status quo”.
He said the party signifies the struggle to liberate Kenyans and was pivotal in the realisation of many reforms, which are dear to ordinary Kenyans.
He added that ODM would not relent until Kenyans fully realise their many dreams, including economic growth.
“I am grateful for the privilege to speak to you as the leader of Kenya’s single largest political party marking its decade of fighting for Kenyans. We have a reason and a history to celebrate,” Mr Odinga said at the anniversary celebrations in Mombasa.
He added: “We are the party of the Constitution. When the forces of status quo walked out on Kenyans at the Bomas of Kenya and came up with the Kilifi Draft, we are the party that said no.”
Mr Odinga further described ODM as the only party that stood for equity, inclusivity, a nation free of corruption.
He said the party has retained its original identity with a nationwide network at a time when many other opposition parties died in the country’s competitive political setting.
“Our land is littered with epitaphs and unmarked graves of opposition parties that arrived with pomp and died without notice. Here, only the fittest survive,” he stated.
“Today, the fittest of them all, ODM, is here to thank all of you who have kept the faith, who have been there in good and bad times, who have shed tears at our lowest moments, and also celebrated our moments of triumph.”
Mr Odinga dismissed the Jubilee Party merger saying the move is tantamount to returning the country to the yesteryears of one party rule notorious for impunity and violation of human rights.
“That is just a return of the party of baba na mama (Kanu),” he told his supporters at Mama Ngina Drive in Mombasa County.
He said the Jubilee administration is banking on many mega projects that the Grand Coalition of retired President Mwai Kibaki and himself as Prime Minister started in various parts of the country, including - among others - Lamu Port South Sudan Transport Corridor, Standard Gauge Railway, and Ndogo Kundu bypass.
