Mombasa Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir has confirmed that the party’s planned 20th anniversary celebrations will go ahead in November as earlier scheduled, despite the death of its founding leader, Raila Odinga.
Speaking during Mr Odinga’s burial ceremony in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, Mr Nassir said the event would be held in honour of the late opposition chief, whose decades-long struggle for democracy and justice left an indelible mark on Kenya’s political landscape.
“Mr Odinga 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 Mr Odinga dedicated to building and defending ODM and the people’s rights,” said Mr Nassir.
The governor emphasised that ODM must remain steadfast in its mission to defend social justice, promote accountability, and protect citizens’ rights, principles that defined Mr Odinga’s leadership and shaped the party’s identity.
“ODM must fight for the rights of the people,” he stated, calling on members to uphold the values that the late leader embodied throughout his political life.
Mr Nassir was accompanied to the burial by Members of the County Assembly and party delegates from Mombasa, who joined thousands of mourners in paying their final respects to the veteran politician.
Mr Odinga died in India on October 15, 2025 while receiving treatment. His body was flown back to the country 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 regions to hold their celebrations before the grand event in Mombasa.
Mr Nassir recalled receiving an unexpected call from Mr Odinga summoning him to Nairobi, which led to the cancellation of the Mombasa event following what he described as an “urgent consultation.”
According to the governor, the ODM leader explained that several counties had not yet held their own anniversary events and that proceeding with the Mombasa celebrations would overshadow them.
Reluctantly, the Mombasa team agreed to postpone their celebrations to give other counties time to hold theirs first. To keep the local supporters engaged, the county organised a football tournament on October 9 and 10 featuring Shabana, Gor Mahia, Bandari, and the ODM football team.
The party later announced that the Mombasa edition of the anniversary celebrations would be held from November 14 to 16. ODM has already marked the milestone in Busia, Wajir, Kisii, and Narok counties.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir speaks to the media in Mombasa on June 13, 2025.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
During the funeral ceremony, Mr Nassir rallied ODM members to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures in preparation for 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 was determined to fortify ODM’s position ahead of the next polls to ensure that it remains a central player in the country’s governance.
“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,” said Mr Nassir.
Addressing the ongoing political collaboration between ODM and President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, Mr Nassir clarified the party’s stance on participating in what has been termed a broad-based government.
He revealed that the decision to join the arrangement was made after extensive internal deliberations and was in line with Mr Odinga’s final guidance to his team.
“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.
Mr Nassir affirmed that the party’s decision was not an act of betrayal but a continuation of Mr Odinga’s strategic vision.
“I want to assure you that we did not betray you, Mr Odinga, 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 declared.
This position was echoed by other ODM leaders, including national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, who said Mr Odinga had given firm instructions before his death that the party should remain part of the broad-based government.
Mr Nassir’s remarks underscored ODM’s resolve to honour Mr Odinga’s memory not through mourning alone, but by continuing his work, strengthening the party’s grassroots presence, upholding his ideals, and positioning ODM as a key force in shaping Kenya’s future governance.
