Nairobi – With the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) celebrating two decades since its establishment, few people know the story of the woman who helped plant its roots in 2005, Jane Wangui.
Source: Facebook
Currently serving as Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Wangui stands as one of the unknown architects behind Kenya’s most influential opposition party.
Who is Jane Wangui?
His journey from the slums of Dandora to entering the political history books is defined by humility, faith and a dream to give voice to the voiceless.
“I grew up seeing inequality around me – bad roads, lack of food, education, and health services. That pushed me to want to bring about change through governance,” Wangui told TUKO.co.ke.
In 2005, inspired by the zeal of the youth and guided by a vision of justice and equality, Wangui joined forces with lawyer Mugambi Imanyara to register a new political movement, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Wangui said his mission was simple but bold: to create a platform for ordinary Kenyans, especially the youth and the marginalized, to participate in leadership.
“I gave birth to a new political force, and Raila gave it life soon by reforming Kenya’s political landscape,” he says. Wangui was not only a founding member but also became the first General Secretary of ODM.
He told how one evening the late prime minister Raila Odinga he drove to his house in Dandora at night to ask him to leave the party.
“One evening, someone I knew called me and told me he was outside my door and wanted to see me only to find HE Raila Odinga waiting outside my house in a car. When I got to the car, he told me that I had something he needed, the ODM Party,” he said.
Recognizing Raila’s passion for reform, Wangui agreed to hand over the leadership of the party to him without asking for any payment.
“He said to me, ‘name your price, what do you need?’ Yes, I was starting life and I needed a lot, but I told him, ‘no.
Immediately after formalizing the agreement, he resigned as Secretary General to allow Prof.
Anyang’ Nyong’o to take that position and was appointed Secretary of Special Programs in the party’s National Executive Committee.
Baba appointed him as his Adviser on Youth Affairs when he became prime minister a role that strengthened his influence within the movement.
Despite unsuccessful attempts to grab the parliamentary seat of Embakasi North in 2017 and 2022, he remains loyal to the values of ODM.
“Raila saw potential in me that no one else had ever seen. He was my helper of my destiny. Two months ago, while having lunch, Baba told me that he was proud of me and continued to direct my mind to 2027. Who would have thought that a girl from Dandora could be used by God to give birth to the biggest political party in East Africa? It is for the good of the nation,” he noted.
For Wangui, the upcoming ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa is not just a political event but a personal event.
“This ceremony celebrates my journey from Dandora to national leadership. ODM gave me voice, purpose, and shaped my life, and promoted my growth and that of Kenya. Meeting Raila Odinga, one felt heard and appreciated. As a woman, he created opportunities for me, believing in my abilities. I owe my success to him.” he said.
Read ENGLISH VERSION
Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
