I reminisce on a joyous day, where I joined the family of Mama Rachel Ruto and His Excellency President William Ruto to celebrate a momentous occasion for their daughter, Charlene, as she begins a beautiful new chapter with her fiancé, Isaya.
Heartfelt congratulations to both on their engagement!
May God bless their union, deepen their friendship, and fill the home they build together with love, joy, and enduring peace.
PARTY MATTERS: Frequent consultations and discussions makes our party stronger and more responsive to the issues raised by our members and the general public. Today the Central Committee met to deliberate on a number of issues both national and on party issues. The meeting was chaired by Party Leader @DrOburu_O and attended by DPL @A_S_Nassir Ntl Chairperson @gladyswanga SG @HonOmanyo Director of Campaigns and Election @JunetMohamed among others… #TukoTayari
Today at State House, Nairobi, we witnessed a monumental milestone in grassroots governance as His Excellency President William Ruto championed the official recognition and support framework for over 100,000 recognized village elders across the country, backed by the landmark Ksh 3.9 billion allocation framework.
As a steadfast champion behind the welfare, dignity, and economic inclusion of our community pillars, I am immensely proud to see this vision become a reality. For too long, our village elders have served as the unsung first responders of peace, justice, and local administration. Honoring them is honoring the very foundation of our nation.
During the gathering, I also addressed a crucial conversation regarding national leadership and capability; "Old is not a disability."
We must reject the lazy political rhetoric weaponizing age to sideline experience. Wisdom, institutional memory, and a steady hand are vital assets in statecraft. When it comes to steering the executive arm of this country, I make bold to say that I am fully equipped to take on monumental responsibilities, including serving as the Deputy President of this great republic.
True leadership is about a proven track record of service, resilience, and the capacity to unite our people.
Let us continue building a prosperous, inclusive Kenya that leaves no one behind and encourages intergenerational conversations.
Standing Firm, Protecting Our ODM Identity & Driving the Social Justice and Equity among all Kenyans Within the BroadBased.
Today, I was truly honored to host vibrant delegations from the Rift Valley, Turkana, Kilgoris, and Nakuru at our party headquarters. I was joined by our dedicated Secretary General, Catherine Omanyo, alongside our hardworking Cabinet Secretaries: Hon. Hassan Joho (Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs), Hon. Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), and Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe (East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development).
As we continue to stand for Social justice and development, we remain the unwavering voice of the people within the government.
Through joint and united frameworks, we have officially started negotiations on collaborative policies. While we champion a broadbased, ODM is distinct and cannot and will not be swallowed.
Furthermore, we are staking our claim and drawing the line, Turkana remains a firm, undisputed ODM zone.
Our experts are on the ground creating solutions and driving development within the broad based administration, and our momentum is unstoppable.
The journey toward true equity, justice, and empowerment continues!
Today, I had the distinct pleasure of hosting a vibrant delegation of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) delegates and officials from Baringo County, led by nominated MCA Hon. Lina Chebet.
The strategic engagement was co-anchored by my Deputy Party Leader Hon. Simba Arati and Executive Director Oduor Ongweny, and ably steered by Secretary General Hon. Catherine Omanyo. We were also honored to be joined by Bondo MP Hon. Geoffrey Ochanda and Hon. Jaoko Oburu Special Advisor to the President of Kenya.
Our discussions centered on strengthening party cohesion, expanding our grassroots footprint, and positioning the party for future political milestones.
We reaffirmed our steadfast role within the broad based arrangement as a principled platform that articulates the true aspirations of ordinary citizens, while underscoring our historic and ongoing commitment to defending human dignity, equity, and social justice across all corners of Kenya. Ultimately, we emphasized that political strength, effective representation, and meaningful bargaining power lie in our numbers, mobilization, and grassroots unity.
We remain deeply committed to walking side by side with our grassroots leaders as we fortify the party's foundation for the road ahead.
Today at K’Jaramogi, alongside my Son, Raila Odinga Junior, My younger Brother Isaac Odinga and family members present, we were honored to host a distinguished delegation of leaders to our Home.
We welcomed Cabinet Secretaries Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya and Hon. Soipan Tuya, the Principal Secretaries for Culture and Public Works, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili, and other dignitaries.
The delegation joined us for the historic groundbreaking ceremony of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum. This monumental project is officially underway and is scheduled for completion in the next two months, ahead of the anniversary of Rtd. Hon. Raila Odinga this October.
We are deeply grateful for the state's and leadership's commitment to preserving a legacy that shaped our nation.
This evening together with Exective Director Oduor Ong'wen , We Held a productive meeting with 25 elected and nominated MCAs from the Nairobi County Luo Caucus as we ramp up preparations for the 2027 elections. During the discussions, I continued to emphasize the vital importance of unity, urging our leadership to move forward with One Voice, One People, One Command. Ensuring internal party stability begins right here.
A beehive of engagements defined my day, underscoring our unwavering commitment to strengthening the ODM Party and engaging leaders from every corner of our country.
I concluded the day's activities by hosting a vibrant delegation of leaders from the Northern Kenya Corridor, representing Marsabit, Isiolo, Mandera and Wajir counties. Our discussions focused on strengthening ODM grassroots structures, expanding party membership, and reinforcing the need for free, fair, and credible party nominations.
I emphasized on transparent nominations remains a top priority in my leadership.
I reaffirmed to the delegation that institutionalizing credible party primaries is a lasting legacy I am determined to build for ODM.
Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive democratic movement.
This afternoon, I held a highly productive meeting with Tana River local leaders delegation, led by the Governor of Tana River County, Major (Rtd) Dr. Dhadho Gaddae Godhana.
Together, we mapped out a successful strategy aimed at stabilizing and strengthening the party within the county. The leaders also engaged in deep discussions regarding the pressing issues affecting the people of Tana River, culminating in a robust solutions framework to address these challenges effectively.
Today at State House, I was proud to witness the progress of the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill a piece of legislation that is incredibly close to my heart. My first encounter with this concept was during my time as the Assistant Minister for Finance while we visited Botswana. Even back then, looking at it through the lens of an economist, I knew exactly what a fund like this could mean for the future of our people.
A Sovereign Wealth Fund is not just about numbers; it is about building a secure future for Kenya. It introduces a structured approach to managing our national wealth and ensures fiscal resilience by separating our resources into strategic pillars. It is specifically designed to cushion our economy from volatile external shocks and unexpected economic downturns, while providing long term, domestic financing for priority national development projects that will change lives across the country.
During the engagement, I also shared some candid advice with His Excellency. I encouraged the President to occasionally employ a level of "benevolent dictatorship" to stand firm, cut through the political noise, and make the hard, bold decisions necessary to achieve the absolute best for all Kenyans.
True leadership requires the courage to steer the ship firmly, ensuring that our national resources work for every single citizen, both now and for generations to come.
Today, I had the distinct honor of joining the resilient educators of Siaya County at the Siaya National Polytechnic for a fundraiser to commence the construction of our landmark KUPPET Tower. Education remains the ultimate social equalizer, and investing in the welfare and institutional infrastructure of our teachers is a direct investment in our nation’s future.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stands unswervingly with our teachers. Through our legislative arms, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for progressive labor policies in Parliament, ensuring unions maintain full statutory protection and autonomy. In the spirit of this enduring partnership and strategic alignment, I formally request the KUPPET leadership and its expansive membership to stand firmly with us, supporting our leadership and the strategic direction the Party is charting for the 2027 elections.
Together, we are an unbeatable force for progress.
Today, I had the privilege of hosting the Chairman of the Uwiano Human Rights Violations & Compensation panel, Dr. Makau Mutua, alongside members of his team.
In our discussions, we reflected deeply on Kenya’s journey and the painful history of violence our country has endured since independence. This is a history I know all too well, having personally been a victim of police violence in Eldoret during those dark times. It is because of these shared scars that I am profoundly grateful to the President for taking this bold, historic step to finally tackle the issue of national reparations.
Healing is happening. The panel brought the heartening news that the mother of Baby Pendo has officially received compensation as part of the very first phase of disbursements. This is a monumental step toward closure.
To all Kenyans, I give you my word; I will remain your steadfast, unwavering voice within this government. Your struggles are my struggles, and your justice is our collective peace.
Steering the https://t.co/xUXwCYbRDh, I had the privilege of chairing the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at our Chungwa House our headquarters in Nairobi. As we reviewed our strategic goals and strengthened our party structures, one thing remained clear;our commitment to a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous Kenya is unwavering. Together, we are building a stronger movement beyond our generation.
Today, I joined my family, friends, and the people of Mabinju Village in Gem, Siaya, to bid a profound farewell to Professor Jacob Ogweno Midiwo affectionately known to all as "Kingi."
He was a towering academic giant, a pillar of the community, and a man whose life beautifully illustrated the transition from quiet determination to monumental impact.
Professor Midiwo’s true genius lay far beyond the lecture halls and laboratories; it lived in his profound warmth and empathy. Kingi understood that education is the ultimate institutional framework for transformation, and he strategically used his success as a gateway for others.
He did not merely collect accolades; he built structural pathways for the next generation, turning private success into public progress. As we lay him to rest today, his legacy remains securely woven into the fabric of the community, family, and students he lifted up along the way.
"True leadership is not about standing above others, but lifting others up to stand alongside you."
Rest in peace, Kingi. Your light continues to shine through the countless lives you built.
We have established a strategic timeline for achieving our objectives. This afternoon, I presided over the Central Committee meeting where we meticulously outlined the essential steps and activities necessary to strengthen our party's core. Let us now collaborate diligently to ensure the prosperity and stability of our party and our constituents.
Today, I joined His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto at Statehouse, to receive the Report on the Framework for Preparations for Victims of Human Rights Violations, as we prepare to compensate the victims of police brutality over the years.
This is a project that was dearly held by my late brother, Rtd.Raila Amollo Odinga CGH. With the partnership of the government, I shall ensure that everyone is duly compensated. To the families who lost their loved ones, please consider this a token of remorse; though the loss of human life can never be fully quantified through financial compensation, it is a necessary step toward justice.
We are glad that the payment process will be carried out by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), in conjunction with the committee led by Professor Makau Mutua.
As we move towards a First World Kenya, it is absolutely vital that we firmly uphold justice, human dignity, and the rule of law. To this end, I also urged Kenyans that while it is our constitutional right to protest and picket, let us always do so within the guidelines provided by the law to avoid police and citizen conflict.
Furthermore, I strongly reiterated that as we head into the campaign season, we must completely discourage and reject the hiring of goons and the weaponization of vulnerable youths to disrupt public order.
As Politicians we must prioritize peace, issue based politics, and national unity over divisive rhetoric and political thuggery.
Today, alongside His Excellency President William Ruto and fellow leaders, I joined the congregation of the South Nairobi Kajiado Field SDA Conference for a vital church development fundraiser.
The church's ambitious vision to construct a school, chapel, hospital, and conference center within the same compound is a transformative blueprint that will immensely uplift the Nkarusa community in Kajiado.
Kajiado stands as a proud, cosmopolitan, and nationalistic zone that beautifully reflects our diversity. I extend my deepest gratitude to the President for honoring our invitation and standing with the people of Kajiado.
As we move forward to achieve the First World status we all aspire to, we must pursue true financial freedom by accelerating our development through sustainable economic models.
As a Finance and Planning expert, I firmly believe that achieving financial independence requires shifting our borrowing model. By borrowing from within, we drastically reduce the heavy burden of foreign interest payments.
This philosophy drove our collaboration with the President to establish initiatives like the Infrastructure Fund and the Housing Levy, leveraging our own local resources to tangibly change lives. Through this partnership, we are steadily building financial freedom for all Kenyans, without discrimination.
Today, I had a productive engagement with a delegation from Taita Taveta County to discuss the party's growth and address key regional matters. During the meeting, we also formally received defectors who officially crossed over from PAA to the ODM Party, further cementing our growing influence.
I was joined by Senator Hon. Johnes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta), Hon. Ruth Odinga (Women Rep, Kisumu County), Hon. Dr. Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), and ODM Youth President John Ketora. The session was successfully officiated by our ODM Ag. Secretary General, Hon. Catherine Omanyo (Women Rep, Busia).
During our discussions, I urged all leaders to focus intensely on reinforcing the ODM Party at the
grassroots level to enhance national unity and mobilization.
I commended the Taita Taveta delegation for courageously airing their views and grievances without fear, emphasizing that open dialogue is the bedrock of our party’s growth. I assured them that all concerns raised will be addressed swiftly.
Furthermore, I reiterated that party primaries must never be viewed as personal battlegrounds. I encourage leaders to embrace healthy, peaceful, and friendly competition guided by mutual respect. Ultimately, once the primaries are over, we must all unite regardless of the outcome, support one another, and work together for the broader interest of the party and the people we serve.
Together, we are building a stronger, more democratic, and united ODM.Welcome home to our new members.
This afternoon, I joined family, friends, and colleagues at St. Paul's Catholic Church for the requiem mass of a distinguished scholar and dear friend, Prof. Shem Oyoo Wandiga.
Prof. Wandiga was not just an academic giant; he was a visionary, the brains behind HELB, a dedicated mentor to many, and a true champion of development through education. His legacy is etched in the lives of thousands of Kenyan youth who accessed higher education because of his brilliant mind.
As we look to the future, we remain anchored on the values of progress and unity. The ODM party stands solid, focused on strengthening social and educational values through the broad based arrangement by ensuring we build a more inclusive and prosperous nation for all.
Rest in eternal peace, Professor. My deepest condolences and prayers to the family during this difficult time.