ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has lined up a series of political activities aimed at rejuvenating its grassroots structures and defending its traditional bastions ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ongoing activities are also part of a build-up to the party’s 20th anniversary to be celebrated next month in Mombasa and Kilifi counties.
Insiders indicate that the party is set to enter a coalition agreement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in backing President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, but is keen to prevent any encroachment to its traditional backyards.
The activities seek to ensure the party retains its influence amid threats from regional parties and the emergence of new regional kingpins like former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in Kisii. The party’s influence has also come under major threat following its decision to work with President Ruto’s UDA.
The party’s top political leaders were in Wajir Town on Saturday for a political jamboree, with another similar event planned for Friday in Kisii.
“As part of the build-up to the main festivities, ODM will host regional events in Wajir Town on September 20 and in Kisii Town on September 26.
"ODM remains committed to celebrating two decades of resilience, struggle, and service to the people of Kenya,” said ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.
Orange Democratic Movement Party's Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna in Saboti Constituency, Trans Nzoia County on August 3, 2025.
On Saturday, ODM Chairman and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga led party stalwarts in Wajir, where they announced plans to rejuvenate the party in preparations for the next elections.
Also present at the meeting were the co-deputy party leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, among others.
Ms Wanga said the party is still determined to capture power, whether as a single entity or in a coalition. She cited the party’s long fight for social justice, devolution and respect for human rights as some of the ideals that have made it attractive for the last 20 years.
“We have been consistent about what we stand for. Our leader has been consistent and resilient. He has been a unifying factor; that is why we have ODM members across the country,” said Ms Wanga.
Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga at a national event on March 7, 2025, at KICC in Nairobi. Her journey from political novice to Nyanza's first female governor began with a pilgrimage to Phoebe Asiyo's home in Wikondiek Village.
The party has planned a three-day jamboree between October 10 and 12, 2025, to be held in Mombasa and Kilifi counties to celebrate and reflect on its 20-year journey.
Dubbed ODM@20, the celebrations are meant to mark the party’s resilience, sacrifice, and unyielding commitment to democracy, justice, and the people of Kenya.
“As the Party that has stood at the forefront of defending constitutionalism and people’s rights, we take pride in inviting our members, supporters, and all Kenyans to our 20th anniversary celebrations,” said Mr Sifuna.
“This milestone is not only a commemoration of ODM’s journey but also a reflection on the struggles, victories, and lessons that continue to shape our vision for a just, united, and prosperous Kenya.”
Activities lined up for the celebration include a youth summit bringing together young leaders and visionaries to chart the future.
There will also be a women convention to celebrate the role of women in the party’s democratic struggles and envisioning a more inclusive society.
A vibrant youth concert aimed at showcasing talent, creativity, and the spirit of ODM will also be featured as part of the jamboree. There will also be a people with disability breakfast focusing on inclusion and empowerment.
The activities will also see a Roll of Honour for fallen heroes of the movement, special remembrance of martyrs of the struggle and a four-day free medical camp for the community as well as an inter-religious Prayers Day uniting Kenyans in thanksgiving and reflection.
The crowning moment will be a four-team football tournament featuring Kenya’s most successful club Gor Mahia and their arch rivals AFC Leopards, together with Mombasa-based Bandari FC and Shabana FC from Kisii.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm ODM’s enduring pledge to the people of Kenya: to continue being the beacon of hope, the custodian of democracy, and the unrelenting defender of justice,” said Senator Sifuna.
“ODM remains committed to celebrating two decades of resilience, struggle, and service to the people of Kenya,” he added.
As part of the two-decades celebrations, the party in July this year launched its Young Captains chapter— a wing within the ODM Women League, comprising young women from institutions of higher learning.
The occasion is part of the party’s charm offensive for the hearts and souls of the younger generation (Gen Z) ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development comes as the party is fronting for a youth-driven national dialogue initiative he believes will help Kenya navigate its mounting socio-political challenges and reset its governance culture.
Dubbed an “Intergenerational National Conclave,” Mr Odinga’s proposal envisions a layered, bottom-up process that brings together citizens from all corners of the country to deliberate on pressing national issues and propose solutions — culminating in a final national gathering of grassroots delegates, MPs, civil society, and other stakeholders.
The former prime minister says the initiative is anchored on Article 1 of the Constitution, which states that sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and can be exercised either directly or through elected representatives.
The move is part of realisation of the power of youth participation in political parties and governance.
