Ruto donates Sh1 million for ODM youth’s 20th anniversary travel

President William Ruto has donated Sh1 million to facilitate the travel of ODM youth heading to Mombasa for the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor has revealed.

Speaking during an ODM meeting in Nairobi, Odiwuor — popularly known as Jalang’o — said he informed the President that a group of enthusiastic party youth wanted to attend the celebrations but lacked the means to travel.

According to the MP, the President responded positively and offered the Sh1 million contribution to support their journey to the Coast.

The announcement was met with cheers and jubilation from the ODM youth present, who celebrated the gesture as a show of goodwill ahead of the milestone event.

On Thursday morning, the atmosphere at the Nairobi SGR terminus was charged with excitement and colour as ODM delegates gathered to begin their journey to Mombasa for the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

Waving bright orange flags, groups of delegates broke into song and dance as they awaited departure, turning the station into a lively sea of enthusiasm.

Many donned traditional attire representing Kenya’s diverse cultures, their faces beaming with anticipation for the milestone event.

Adding to the festive mood, Isikuti drummers and dancers entertained the crowd, filling the air with rhythmic beats as they cheered the delegates on.

Amid the celebrations, the mood also carried a sense of reflection — many waved portraits of the late party leader Raila Odinga, whose passing came just as ODM was preparing to mark two decades of political struggle and service.

ODM had launched a massive mobilisation drive encouraging supporters to book their SGR tickets.

Scheduled from November 14-16, the milestone event will honour Raila with festivities spread across the coastal city.

To ensure a unified presence, ODM supporters have been urged to travel together on the morning SGR train on November 13.

Party organisers emphasised the importance of early booking, noting that tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Let’s SGR together! Book your SGR ticket now so we can travel together to celebrate Baba in Mombasa,” a notice circulated by party’s communication director Philip Etale reads.

Supporters seeking to coordinate their travel logistics have been directed to contact the party through the provided phone numbers, ensuring smooth arrangements for the journey.

The upcoming celebrations mark two decades since ODM’s formation, highlighting its journey, achievements, and the enduring political influence of Raila across the country.

Party officials have promised a series of events, including rallies, cultural showcases, and community engagements, making the Mombasa gathering a significant occasion in Kenya’s political calendar.

Acting party leader Oburu Odinga described the anniversary as a moment to reflect on the party’s journey and to celebrate the legacy of Raila.

“As we commemorate this landmark, we do so in honour of the indelible legacy of our departed Party Leader the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga the father of modern democracy in Kenya vision, courage and sacrifice built this movement. Whose vision, courage and sacrifice built this movement,” he said.