Ndolo accuses ODM leaders of self-interest in anniversary planning

Former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo has come out strongly to oppose the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party’s planned anniversary celebrations in Mombasa.

The ODM Party, now led by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, had scheduled its twentieth anniversary festivities in Mombasa. However, the planning has faced setbacks following the sudden death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the upcoming by-elections across the country.

On Saturday, Ndolo argued that there is nothing worth celebrating while the party’s supporters and the nation at large are still mourning Odinga.

“What kind of celebrations or anniversary are these people talking about when the whole country is still mourning Raila Odinga? His family hasn’t even come to terms with his death, yet some party members are organising a celebration,” said Ndolo.

Accompanied by several political activists from Makadara Constituency, including Elizabeth Agunda, head of ODM’s women league in the area, Ndolo urged the party leadership to postpone the celebrations.

“Let us remember that Raila Odinga was a man who always put country before self, people before politics, and truth before convenience. It would not be right to dance when the man who taught us to march for justice has just fallen,” he added.

Ndolo and the Makadara grassroots leaders accused a section of ODM’s top leadership of pursuing selfish interests through the planned celebrations, alleging that some individuals have business stakes in the event.

“I am aware some are excited about the celebrations because they have business interests. I want to warn that we will not allow such to happen,” Ndolo declared.

He threatened to mobilise supporters to block the celebrations if the party failed to heed his call.

Agunda also urged the party to focus on the upcoming by-elections rather than festivities.

“How I wish we could concentrate on winning the by-elections ahead of us instead of planning meaningless celebrations,” said Agunda.

Despite their concerns, both leaders praised Oburu for his steady leadership and encouraged him to guide the party forward with courage and unity.

The party has since rescheduled its 20th anniversary grand celebrations in Mombasa, shifting the event from October to November to allow more counties to participate in the milestone.

The three-day celebration, initially set for October 10-12, will now take place from November 14–16, 2025, according to ODM’s National Assembly Minority Leader and Chairman of the ODM@20 Planning Committee, Junet Mohammed.

Junet explained that the decision was driven by overwhelming requests from regions that had not yet hosted ODM@20 activities.

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He noted that while Busia, Wajir, Kisii, and Narok counties had already held successful events, the party received persistent calls from other areas seeking inclusion in the anniversary calendar.

“Our members from across the country have asked that the ODM@20 fete be brought closer to them so they too can be part of this historic celebration. The Party Leader graciously agreed that inclusivity must guide this program, and therefore, we have expanded the calendar,” Junet said.

Under the revised plan, ODM will host a series of regional events leading up to the grand finale in Mombasa.

These include an ODM@20 soccer tournament on October 9-10, a rally in Kajiado on October 15, celebrations in Turkana on October 26, a major event in Kilifi’s Magarini constituency on November 2, and a final regional stop in Nairobi on November 9.