ODM at 20: Raila’s party invites Ruto, Kalonzo, Mudavadi to grand Mombasa celebrations

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party will host leaders from rival political outfits as it marks 20 years since its founding.

President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka are among the dignitaries invited to the ODM anniversary celebrations.

The three-day event, scheduled for October 10–12 in Mombasa, is being billed by insiders as the rebirth of the Orange party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

"This event will also be bringing together the founding members of this party. We are going to be very pleased that this is going to be a reunion of those who began ODM and still exist," ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga said.

Preparations in top gear

Organisers said preparations are in top gear, with founders, members, and supporters expected in Mombasa.

ODM traces its roots to the 2005 constitutional referendum, when the "No" campaign—symbolised by the orange—defeated proposed constitutional changes with 58.12 per cent of the vote. The orange symbol came from the ballot, while the "Yes" side was represented by a banana.

Following the referendum win, then-President Mwai Kibaki dissolved his cabinet. By 2006, ODM Kenya was formed, but wrangles soon erupted over ownership of the registration certificate. Lawyer Mugambi Imanyara, who had discreetly registered ODM, later handed leadership of the party to Raila Odinga.

ODM founders

Among its founders were Raila, Ruto, Kalonzo, Mudavadi, Gitobu Imanyara, Najib Balala, and the late Joe Nyagah.

Wanga, who is also Homa Bay governor, said the anniversary would honour both leaders and young people who fought alongside ODM, many of whom “paid the ultimate price” during protests against injustices.

"All founders will be here. All founders will be invited, and those who accept will be here," she added.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, a member of the planning team, said the anniversary would serve as both reflection and renewal.

"This occasion reminds us where we came from, where we are, and where we want to go. It is a rebirth of our party and an inspiration as we look to 2027," he said.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir described the celebrations as both political and national, while ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna praised Odinga’s vision.

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"To birth a party and keep it alive for 20 years is no mean feat. As our leader has directed us, hatutaki maneno mingi—this is purely a celebration from start to finish," Sifuna said.

Youth summit

The anniversary will include a youth summit on the role of young leaders, a Women’s Convention on women’s contribution to democracy, and a youth concert showcasing music and art.

Sports will also feature prominently, with a football tournament involving AFC Leopards, Bandari FC, Gor Mahia, and Shabana FC to symbolise unity through sport.

"The celebrations will not just be on the life of the political party but on the life of what Kenya believes in," the ODM deputy party leader said.

Events will honour women, youth, and persons with disabilities, culminating in a grand rally on October 12.

"On the first day, there will be a whole-day event for women at the ASK showground in Mkomani," Nassir said.

After Friday’s football tournament, a concert will be held at the famous Tononoka grounds.

Cultural events

"On Saturday will be a major event, which will be held at Mama Ngina Waterfront Park. That Saturday will be a culmination of other cultural events.

"It will also be in remembrance of our fallen heroes and people who were there prior to us. It will be a day of remembering the journey of the party from those who actually initiated the concept to what is now ODM, those who walked through the journey," Nassir said.

The Mama Ngina rally will be followed by an exclusive dinner with founding members at a yet-to-be-disclosed venue.

On Sunday, an interdenominational prayer service will close the celebrations, with the venue still under discussion.

In the run-up to the Mombasa event, ODM will stage activities across the country, with major highlights planned for Migori and Wajir to underscore its commitment to inclusivity and grassroots mobilisation.

Party leaders affirmed after a planning meeting in Mombasa that the anniversary would not only celebrate ODM’s past but also rally its base for the political battles ahead.