Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi has explained why he skipped the ODM@20 anniversary celebrations held in Mombasa over the weekend.
Speaking on Monday, November 17, the MP confirmed that he was invited but opted out because he believed it was too early to celebrate after the recent passing of former ODM leader Raila Odinga.
"I was invited but I did not attend because I thought it was too soon to have a celebration. We needed to have 40 or 50 days to mourn former Prime Minister Raila Odinga before we could go to Mombasa to celebrate," he said.
Kibagendi added that the event itself did not reflect genuine celebration, accusing some attendees of using it to fuel divisions within the party.
"You realize that it was not a celebration; people went to cause division and fight, and that division is continuing up to now. I thought it was not necessary for me to attend the event," he added.
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Notably, earlier Monday, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi criticised the ODM Party for appointing Oburu Oginga as party leader during the ODM@20 celebrations.
Speaking on Monday, November 17, the MP argued that the timing was insensitive as the country continues to mourn former ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Amisi argued that the event should have been pushed forward to allow Kenyans space to grieve before making major political decisions.
"The ODM at 20 celebrations and Oburu Odinga’s appointment as party leader should have been postponed. The timing was wrong, because Kenyans are still mourning Raila; some people are still crying. Why couldn't we just postpone?" he posed.
Amisi also challenged the legitimacy of Oburu's installation, saying ODM did not follow the procedures required for choosing its leaders.
"What is happening in ODM is not allowing Raila to rest in peace, as the party has been left in the hands of people who lack leadership. Oburu Odinga is party leader unconstitutionally. A conference of national delegates was supposed to be held," he added.
A week earlier, Amisi had appealed to leaders to suspend visits to Raila's home in Bondo, Siaya County.
In an update on Monday, November 10, the lawmaker said the former Prime Minister’s family deserves time and space to rest.
Amisi noted that politicians can resume visiting Raila’s grave and his family from 2026.
"There is just much a human being can handle. Perhaps it is about time Leaders give Mama Ida and her family peace to take some rest. Baba's mausoleum is not going anywhere. We can visit from next year. Crying for Ida Odinga,” he stated.
