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ODM@20: All systems go as party marks anniversary in Mombasa

The Orange Party will be staging the celebration from November 14 to 16 at the historic Mama Ngina Waterfront

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by DAMARIS KIILU

News14 November 2025 - 08:13
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In Summary


  • The milestone event will also honour party founder Raila Odinga, with festivities spread across the coastal city.
  • President William Ruto and ex-Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala are expected to grace the occasion as founding members.
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ODM is set for historic 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa/SCREENGRAB






All eyes will be on Mombasa from today, November 14, as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stages a mega celebration to celebrate 20 years of its political journey.

The Orange Party will be staging the celebration from November 14 to 16 at the historic Mama Ngina Waterfront.

The milestone event will also honour party founder Raila Odinga, with festivities spread across the coastal city.

President William Ruto and ex-Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala are expected to grace the occasion as founding members.

The celebration is expected to bring together a mix of party loyalists, old guards, and new-generation leaders in what insiders describe as a defining moment for Kenya’s most resilient political movement.

This will be the first major event for the ODM party since the death of its party leader, Raila Odinga, on October 15.

ODM officials say the event will celebrate the party’s contribution to political reforms, devolution and the defence of civil liberties, while also setting the tone for its next chapter ahead of the 2027 elections.

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, who has been officially approved as the party’s leader [awaiting ratification by the National Delegates Convention], 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.

The anniversary programme begins on Friday, November 14, with an ODM Disability League Breakfast between 7 am and 9 am, followed by two parallel summits for the party’s women and youth wings running from 10 am to 1 pm.

 A youth concert will close the day’s activities, stretching from 6 pm to midnight.

On Saturday, November 15, the focus shifts to Mama Ngina Waterfront for a celebration themed around Raila Odinga’s vision, achievements and broad political legacy.

The event, scheduled between 7:30 am and 2 pm, will include a recommitment by members to safeguard the democratic gains won through two decades of ODM’s political engagement.

Later that evening, the party will host an ODM Founders’ Dinner at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort.

An inter-religious thanksgiving service has also been organised in honour of Raila’s life, leadership and the broader journey of the party.

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. 


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