A seemingly simple decision, a symbol swap, and a nation forever changed. This is the story of how a single moment, orchestrated by the late Samuel Kivuitu, the former chairman of the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), inadvertently sparked the creation of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nearly two decades ago. It's a tale of political maneuvering, unexpected alliances, and the power of a symbol.
Kivuitu, tasked with overseeing a referendum on a proposed constitution, invited representatives from both the 'Yes' and 'No' camps to his office. The goal? To assign them their respective symbols. But here's where the story takes an intriguing turn.
According to ODM's founding chairman, Henry Kosgey, Kivuitu presented both sides with a choice of fruits: an orange and a banana. Initially, the 'No' side, which would later become the ODM, was offered the banana. But in a swift change of heart, Kivuitu switched the fruits, handing the orange to the group instead. "I don’t know what could have happened had we taken the banana,” Kosgey later mused. This seemingly small act would have enormous consequences.
The referendum itself was a clash between President Mwai Kibaki's PNU faction, which supported the 'Yes' vote, and a 'No' team composed of Kibaki's rebellious ministers, who had joined forces with the opposition Kanu. Raila Odinga, a key figure, championed devolution and led the government rebels.
During a rally in Kisumu, former Tourism Minister Najib Balala declared the 'Orange' team's transformation into a political movement, which was met with enthusiastic applause. President William Ruto, Kosgey, Dr. Oburu Oginga, and Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o later recounted that the idea originated at the Imperial Hotel, where the leaders had gathered before the rally. Interestingly, Balala was notably absent from the Founders Dinner, reportedly out of the country.
Besides Raila, Ruto, Nyong’o, Kosgey, and Dr. Oburu, other key figures included former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, former Thika Mayor Mumbi Ngaru, Mining CS Hassan Joho, and his EAC counterpart Beatrice Askul.
Following the Imperial Hotel meeting, the leaders convened in Machakos to draft the party's foundational documents, despite some reservations from members affiliated with either the government or the opposition Kanu.
But here's where it gets controversial... The team discovered that lawyer Mugambi Imanyara had already registered ODM. They then registered ODM Kenya, using the network of former ODM Executive Director Janet Ongera, with lawyer Dan Maanzo—now the Makueni Senator—as the custodian.
When Maanzo refused to hand over the certificate, Raila intervened. He informed Kosgey that he had met with Imanyara and addressed his demands. "They met at some hotel along Lenana Road. Raila was the first thinker, and I remember him saying, ‘We now have a certificate,’” Kosgey recalled.
By 2007, ODM had become a formidable force, with Raila as party leader, Ruto as his deputy, Kosgey as chairman, and Nyong’o as secretary general. The party secured a majority of parliamentary seats in the disputed 2007 elections. This led to a controversial swearing-in of Kibaki at State House at night, which plunged the country into a near civil war, resulting in over 1,500 deaths and the displacement of half a million people.
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of Kivuitu's decision, the symbol of the orange, and the subsequent political events cannot be overstated. It shaped the course of Kenyan politics and left a lasting mark on the nation's history.
What are your thoughts on this pivotal moment in Kenyan history? Do you believe the choice of symbol truly mattered? Share your perspective in the comments below!
