ODM to Launch Raila Odinga Academy of Leadership as Part of 20th Anniversary Celebrations

Machakos, Kenya — 2025-09-22 20:00 EAT.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced plans to establish the Raila Odinga Academy of Leadership, a training institution to honour its party leader and empower young people, especially within ODM. The announcement was made by the party’s National Chairperson, Gladys Wanga, during a Parliamentary Group meeting in Machakos. The academy is set to be launched during a youth-centred event in Mombasa.

1) The Latest

• During the ODM Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting on September 22, 2025, in Machakos, Gladys Wanga revealed that the leadership academy will be among the highlights of the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

• She said the purpose is to nurture young ODM members into future leaders under a structured training programme, not just symbolic events. The academy will be formally launched in Mombasa, with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga himself leading the launch.

2) Context in Brief

• ODM is marking 20 years since its founding (2005) and has used this milestone to reflect on legacy, leadership, and direction ahead of the 2027 general election.

• Leadership training and youth engagement are increasingly important in Kenyan politics, as the youth vote becomes more significant, and parties look for sustainable cadres beyond election campaigns.

• Previous leadership programs in Kenya have varied; what differentiates ODM’s proposed academy is that it is closely tied to party ideology and honours a prominent leader while seeking to formalise leadership development.

3) Law, Policy & Process

• There is no legal requirement for political parties to run leadership academies, but such institutions often fall under internal party regulation and party constitutions.

• The academy will likely report to ODM’s internal organs, including the Youth Wing, Parliamentary Group, and Party Secretariat. Policies to govern admissions, curriculum, financing, and oversight will need to be established.

• If publicly funded or involving state facilities, considerations around political party regulation and oversight (Registrar of Political Parties) may come into play.

4) Voices & Stakeholders

• Gladys Wanga (ODM National Chairperson):

  “One of the things we will be launching during the youth event is the Raila Odinga Academy of Leadership. … We will launch the Raila Odinga Academy … Raila himself will lead the launch during our youth event in Mombasa.” 

• ODM Leadership & Members:

  Among those present were Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, and others. They described the academy as part of building leadership continuity and strengthening the party structure. 

• Analysts / Political Commentators:

  Political analysts see the move as both symbolic and strategic: symbolic in honouring Raila Odinga’s role over two decades, and strategic in grooming loyal cadres ahead of major elections.

5) Evidence & Data Box

6) Risks, Implications & Scenarios

• Implementation quality: Academy success will depend heavily on curriculum, resources, faculty, funding, and governance. If poorly managed, it could be symbolic without impact.

• Youth expectations: Young members will expect real opportunities; if not provided, disappointment could fuel disillusionment or defections.

• Political neutrality / inclusivity: As a party institution, the academy may be viewed as partisan — may raise questions of access for non-ODM young people, or those with different political affiliations.

• Cost & sustainability: Whether funding is sufficient to sustain the academy beyond its launch, especially when resources are stretched in other party commitments.

7) What We Don’t Know Yet

• Exact date for the launch in Mombasa, and the schedule/curriculum of the academy.

• Funding sources: whether academy will be financed entirely by ODM, donor support, or via public/private partnerships.

• Admission criteria: how young leaders will be chosen, whether from across Kenya or limited to ODM membership.

• Whether the academy will include formal training, mentorship, internships or be more symbolic.

8) Timeline

• 2005: ODM founded.

• 2025: ODM marks 20 years since formation.

• 2025-09-22: Gladys Wanga announces Raila Odinga Academy of Leadership during Machakos Parliamentary Group meeting.

9) What to Watch Next

• Formal announcement with details: date, curriculum, admission process.

• Youth wing and ODM branches’ reactions; whether they buy in, demand clarifications.

• Any overlap or conflict between this academy and existing leadership training institutions or political training programs.

• Impact on ODM’s positioning among youth voters and across counties ahead of 2027.