Orange House: Where ODM politicians blossomed or withered up

ODM has launched its new Sh180 million headquarters located off James Gichuru Road Lavington, Nairobi. [Photo Courtesy]

The Orange Democratic Party (ODM) is revamping itself ahead of the 2022 election contest after launching its new rent-free headquarters today.

ODM moved to its new Sh180 million headquarters on September 16, 2019, without ceremony.

Reports indicate that the new offices are fully owned by ODM.

Several ODM officials and supporters attended the launch which was presided by the Party Leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The new Chungwa House is located off James Gichuru Road Lavington, Nairobi.

During the occasion, the party launched a digital membership registration program available on its website.

The house-moving ends a 12-year tenancy at the previous headquarters on Menelik Road in Milimani which was owned by Raila Odinga's former aide Caroli Omondi.

Menelik Road would be the place where political careers were built or destroyed.

The old Orange House located at Milimani, Nairobi. [Courtesy]

It was at Milimani where ODM made a formidable go at the presidency in 2007 by presenting a formidable team christened the "Pentagon."

It comprised of Raila Odinga, current Deputy President William Ruto, Tourism Minister Najib Balala, Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, former DP Musalia Mudavadi, and Joe Nyaga.

Apart from Raila, all the other members deserted the Orange Party shortly before the 2013 general election.

Other politicians who had memories of Orange House are former Nandi political heavyweight Henry Kosgey, who was once the party's chairman, Bomet Governors Isaac Ruto, and the late Joyce Laboso, as well as former Aldai MP Sally Kosgey.

Majority Leader Aden Duale was also once an ODM MP, as was former Budalang'i MP and current Foreign Affairs Cabinet Administrative Secretary Ababu Namwamba.

Most of these politicians have both fond and bitter memories of the house as much as some will not say much.

Another memorable event that took place in Orange House was the ejection of former Executive Officer Magerer Langat from a meeting attended by Party leader Raila Odinga in 2014.

Magerer Langat is dragged out of a parliamentary group meeting at Orange House. [PHOTOS: GOVEDI ASUTSA/STANDARD]

Langat was accused of being a government mole and he was ejected from the meeting.

He, later on, he sued the head of security at Orange House and five MCAs for assault. Langat decamped to Jubilee Party.

The previous house was marred by drama mostly during the party's hotly contested nominations which saw several fallouts as a result.

What memories will be created in the new ODM party's headquarters?