ODM@20: Mombasa Set for Grand Festivities as Party Marks Two Decades
Oburu said the celebrations are meant to honour the sacrifices made by the late leader and recommit the party to the ideals he championed.
ODM is set for historic 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Starting today, November 14, Mombasa is set to experience increased political activities when the Orange Democratic Movement begins a three-day jubilee to mark 20 years since its founding. The coastal city, more so the historic Mama Ngina Waterfront, will host the key anniversary events running from November 14 to 16, attracting both party supporters and national leaders.
The event will highlight the party’s long and eventful journey, with particular tribute to ODM’s late founder, Raila Odinga. Different activities have been lined up across Mombasa in honor of his political legacy and the role he played in shaping Kenya’s democratic space. A testament to the party’s broad influence, President William Ruto and former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala-both among the earliest members of the party-have been invited to the festivities.
According to sources, the anniversary is expected to attract a wide mix of participants, from ODM veterans, current political leaders, and rising youth figures. They view the gathering as a critical moment for a party widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most enduring and influential political formations.
This year’s celebrations hold greater emotional weight as they come barely a month after the passing of the party leader, Raila Odinga, on October 15. ODM officials say the anniversary will not only be a celebration but also a reflection on Raila’s immense impact on the political landscape, from fighting for reforms to his contribution to devolution and defence of democratic freedoms.
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, recently confirmed as the incoming party leader pending formal endorsement by the National Delegates Convention, said the event was a moment of deep reflection. He said Raila’s ideals, resilience and unwavering commitment to justice were the bedrock upon which the party was built. Oburu said the celebrations are meant to honour the sacrifices made by the late leader and recommit the party to the ideals he championed.
The programme gets underway today at 7 am with a Disability League Breakfast, followed by empowerment summits for the party’s women and youth wings running into the late morning. A youth concert will take centre stage in the evening, with performances set to run up to midnight.
Tomorrow, November 15, attention shifts fully to Mama Ngina Waterfront for an event dedicated to celebrating Raila’s vision, milestones, and broader political legacy. Activities scheduled between 7:30 am and 2 pm will include a renewed pledge by members to protect and advance the democratic gains achieved since the party’s inception.
The party will host a Founders’ Dinner later that night at the Sarojiva Whitesands Beach Resort, which will bring together senior party leaders and the early members of ODM.
The events will be completed by an interfaith thanksgiving service, with prayers for Raila’s life, leadership, and the future direction of the party. As ODM turns 20, officials say the Mombasa celebrations will underscore the party’s lasting legacy, contribution to national politics, and continued relevance into the 2027 elections. The program includes rallies, cultural performances, and community-based engagements that make the anniversary among the year’s most significant political convergences.
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