Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has reaffirmed the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) unity and resilience, dismissing criticism from what he termed “self-appointed spokespersons.”
Speaking during ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations on Friday, Joho warned that voices speaking on behalf of the party without authorization could create confusion and weaken its message. “Not everybody should be a spokesman. We have leaders who can speak,” he emphasised.
Joho, a long-time ally of party leader Raila Odinga, credited ODM’s endurance over two decades to the sacrifices of its founding leaders and the principles that have guided the party through Kenya’s complex political landscape. “It is not normal or easy for a party to maintain its strength for over twenty years. It took a lot of sacrifice from our leaders to bring us to where we are today,” he said.
He stressed that the party’s stability is anchored in collective decision-making, a value Raila Odinga instilled in ODM. “If there is anything Baba taught us, it is how to move together as a people, how to consolidate our views and make one decision that we stand for,” Joho added, urging supporters to uphold this legacy.
During his address, Joho called on ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, her deputy Simba Arati, and other senior officials to remain steadfast in their roles. He reassured them that the party’s structures remain intact and capable of guiding ODM forward.
Joho also highlighted that loyalty within ODM is earned through inclusion and respect rather than coercion. “Baba loved all of us, and we loved him because he accommodated us, listened to our views, and respected us. You cannot force us to love somebody,” he noted.
As ODM positions itself ahead of the 2027 general elections, Joho urged members to remain grounded in the party’s founding ideals and resist internal divisions or premature succession debates. “ODM is unshaken!” he declared, underscoring the party’s commitment to unity, discipline, and collective decision-making.
