All systems go as ODM marks 20 years in grand Mombasa jamboree

Lang'ata MP Felix Odiwuor Jalang'o donates one million shillings to ferry supporters to Mombasa celebrations, which turned chaotic at Pangani sports grounds/EZEKIEL AMING'A

All eyes will be on Mombasa from tomorrow as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stages a mega jamboree to celebrate 20 years of its political journey.

The Orange Party will be staging a mega 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.

 Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta was also invited, but his spokesperson Kanze Dena told the publication that he will not attend.

 “No, he will not attend,” Kanze told the Star on the  phone.

 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.

Langata MP Felix Odiwuor Jalang'o addresses the delegates after his donation of One million shillings to ferry supporters to Mombasa celebrations turned chaotic at Pangani sports grounds/EZEKIEL AMING'A

 President Ruto’s attendance is viewed as a gesture to win the opposition team, even as the party charts its post-Raila future.

 Uhuru and Balala, both key figures in ODM’s formative years, were expected to share the stage with current party leadership to reflect on the Orange movement’s legacy, its struggles and its enduring influence on Kenya’s democracy.

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

 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.

Makadara MP George Aladwa addresses Nairobi delegates at Pangani Sports grounds, where he declared his interests in gubernatorial seat in the coming elections/EZEKIEL AMING'A

 He said the milestone event was initially designed to showcase ODM’s journey, achievements and resilience over two decades, but Raila’s passing now gives it a totally different tangent.

 “It is going to be fundamentally different, initially it was what we were going to have was a carnivore. Now with this development, it would be more about mourning him and celebrating his life. Basically, it is his departure that is going to dominate the activity, it is no longer a celebration,” Ong’wen said.

 The Orange outfit has this week been engaged in massive mobilisation drive encouraging supporters to book their SGR tickets as the party gears up for its 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa.

 To ensure a unified presence, ODM supporters have been urged to travel together on the morning SGR train today (Thursday).

 Party organisers have 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,” the party said in a statement.

 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.

 INSTANT ANALYSIS

 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.