ODM to hold 20th anniversary celebrations in November as tribute to Raila - Governor Abdulswamad

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will proceed with its postponed 20th anniversary celebrations in November, Mombasa Governor and party deputy leader Abdulswamad Nassir has confirmed, saying the event will serve as a tribute to the late Raila Odinga’s lifelong dedication to democracy and justice.

Nassir said the commemorations will honour the decades Raila spent building the party and fighting for the rights of Kenyans.

He emphasised that the anniversary would celebrate both the party’s milestone and the late leader’s enduring legacy.

“Raila trusted me to hold the ODM 20th anniversary. Come November, Mombasa will host the celebrations. We will not only mark the party’s two decades of existence but also celebrate the years he dedicated to building and defending ODM and the people’s rights,” Abdulswamad said.

He called on ODM members to remain steadfast in defending social justice, promoting accountability and protecting citizens’ rights—principles that defined Raila’s leadership.

“ODM must fight for the rights of the people,” he said, urging members to uphold the values that the late leader embodied throughout his political life.

Abdulswamad was accompanied by Members of the County Assembly and party delegates from Mombasa, who joined thousands of mourners in paying tribute to the veteran politician.

Raila passed away in India on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment. His body was flown back to Kenya the following day and laid to rest on Sunday, in accordance with his wish to be buried within 72 hours.

The ODM 20th anniversary was initially scheduled for October 10 to 12, but was postponed to allow other counties to hold their celebrations before the grand event in Mombasa. Nassir recalled receiving a personal call from Raila summoning him to Nairobi, which led to the Mombasa event being deferred.

“Raila told us that several counties had not yet held their own anniversary events and that proceeding with the Mombasa celebrations would overshadow them,” he recounted.

To keep local supporters engaged, the Mombasa team organised a football tournament on October 9 and 10 featuring Shabana, Gor Mahia, Bandari, and the ODM football team. The former party later announced that the Mombasa edition of the anniversary celebrations would now take place from November 14 to 16. ODM has already marked the milestone in Busia, Wajir, Kisii and Narok counties.

During the state funeral ceremony, Abdulswamad rallied ODM members to strengthen grassroots structures ahead of the upcoming by-elections and the 2027 General Election.

“All of us in the party will go to the people to mobilise and ensure we win by-elections in Kasipul, Ugenya, and Magarini. People will come out in your honour, Baba, and ensure to raise your face,” he said.

He added that the party leadership is determined to fortify ODM’s position ahead of the next polls.

“Come 2027, ODM will not be in the opposition. We will vote in August, and in September we shall be either in government or be the government,” Abdulswamad said.

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Addressing ODM’s ongoing engagement with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, Abdulswamad explained that the decision to join what has been termed a broad-based government was guided by extensive internal deliberations and the late leader’s final instructions.

“Raila told us to join the broad-based government. We sat for hours asking ourselves whether to join President Ruto’s government or not. We all decided to join the broad-based framework,” he said.

He reassured party members that ODM’s participation in the government is not a betrayal but a continuation of Raila’s strategic vision.

“I want to assure you that we did not betray you, Raila, when you were alive, and we will not betray you now that you are gone. We will remain committed to the broad-based government and stay true to your legacy,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by other ODM leaders, including national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, who affirmed that Raila had instructed the party to remain part of the broad-based government before his death.