ODM To launch Raila Odinga Academy of Leadership

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has announced that the Orange Democratic Movement is set to launch the Raila Odinga Academy of Leadership during a youth event in Mombasa.

Wanga, who is also the ODM national chairperson, said the move will help to nurture young people into future leaders through the academy.

Speaking on Monday during the ODM Parliamentary Group meeting, Wanga said the academy will bring more members to the ODM party.

“One of the things we will be launching during the youth event is the Raila Odinga Academy of Leadership. This will happen so that we just don’t speak of having gone through that academy, but we have a real academy that will bring forth more leaders. Raila will be launching it during our youth event in Mombasa,” she said.

The Party Parliamentary Group meeting was chaired by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and attended by ODM leaders from across the country.

The Homa Bay Governor said the session was charged with the spirit of the ODM 20-year anniversary celebrations.

“We are united, focused on the future, and determined to build on two decades of resilience. The work continues!” Wanga said.

On Monday, ODM leaders addressed Wajir residents during a build-up rally to mark the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

Among those present were Governor Wanga, deputy party leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, and other senior officials.

Governor Wanga said that as ODM marks the milestone, it will deepen its commitment to transparency and remain grounded in serving the people.

She highlighted the party’s role in ensuring inclusivity in government appointments, pointing to the appointment of former Wajir North MP Ahmed Abdisalan, an ODM member, as Principal Secretary for National Government Coordination.

Abdulswamad praised ODM’s consistency, saying the party has always believed in democracy, accountability, and inclusive development.

“As we celebrate 20 years of ODM, we sincerely thank the Right Honourable Raila Odinga for leading this movement and ensuring it remains a beacon of hope for Kenyans. All top politicians in this country, including the President, are students of Raila Odinga,” he said.

Governor Abdullahi echoed the sentiment, saying ODM has been winning elections since 2007, though its leader has never been declared the winner.

“Every government eventually turns to Raila Odinga to stabilise the country and help it govern. Even after 2027, no government will run without Raila. As his foot soldiers, we await his direction—if he says right, we go right; if he says left, we go left,” Abdullahi said.