President William Ruto’s planned attendance at the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) 20th anniversary in Mombasa is being seen as a political masterstroke, signalling outreach to the late Raila Odinga’s traditional base ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts say all eyes will be on the Head of State, who built a working relationship with his former rival, the late Odinga , as he joins ODM founders during the four-day celebrations from Thursday, November 13, to Sunday, November 16.
“This gesture could bridge old rivalries and spark new political alignments ahead of 2027,” said analyst Dismas Mokua.
Besides President Ruto, invited founding members include former President Uhuru Kenyatta ; Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi ; founding Pentagon members Najib Balala and Charity Ngilu; founding chairman Henry Kosgei; and Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o. Others include former Speaker Kenneth Marende, former minister Franklin Bett, Fred Gumo, cabinet secretaries Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, and ODM founder Mugambi Imanyara.
Mr Musyoka declined the invitation. “Raila wrote me inviting me to ODM@20. I won’t be attending. I wish them well. I have spent a large part of my life supporting Raila,” he said.
ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga campaigns for their party candidate in the November 27 Magarini by-election Harrison Kombe, on November 2 2025.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
Interim ODM leader Dr Oburu Oginga said the anniversary blends celebration with reflection, symbolising mourning and renewal as the party charts its post-Odinga path. Organising committee chair Junet Mohamed confirmed that party officials will depart Nairobi aboard the SGR train at 8am on Thursday.
The programme opens with a special sitting of the National Governing Council (NGC), where party organs will review two decades of activism and confirm interim officials, including Dr Oginga, Chairperson Gladys Wanga, and co-deputies Abdulswamad Nassir, Godfrey Osotsi, and Simba Arati.
ODM emerged from the 2005 constitutional referendum when the “No” side, symbolised by the orange, defeated President Mwai Kibaki’s draft. The victory established Odinga as the face of Kenya’s reform movement and the de facto opposition leader. Over 20 years, ODM has contested four presidential elections and grown into a national political force advocating multi-party democracy, devolution, electoral reform, and good governance.
“This year’s anniversary carries a deeper emotional tone. It is the first since Raila’s passing, turning a typical party milestone into a national tribute,” said ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire.
The celebrations will also consolidate ODM’s structures and rebuild grassroots networks. Events across three Mombasa venues will bring together supporters, leaders, and delegates from all 47 counties.
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga (centre), Chairperson Gladys Wanga (fourth left), Abdulswamad Nassir (fifth right) and other party officials campaign for their party candidate Harrison Kombe (far right) on November 2, 2025.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
Friday, November 14, features the ODM Disability League Breakfast, highlighting inclusion, followed by the ODM Women’s and Youth Summits, exploring generational renewal, gender equity, and leadership development. The day ends with a Youth Concert from 6pm to midnight.
Saturday, November 15, is the main commemoration at Mama Ngina Waterfront, titled “Celebration of Baba’s Vision, Achievements and Legacy,” from 7:30am to 2pm. Speeches, tributes, and performances will honour Odinga’s life and ideals. That evening, the ODM Founders’ Dinner at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort will bring together founding members, senior officials, and key guests.
The four-day programme concludes on Sunday with an inter-religious thanksgiving service for Odinga’s life, leadership, and ODM unity.
Since Odinga’s death, the party has grappled with succession, balancing loyalty to its founding ideals with the need for fresh leadership. Sources say Dr Oginga will oversee consultations leading to a national delegates’ convention next year to elect new leadership and shape ODM’s 2027 coalition strategy.
“His leadership defined Kenya’s democratic transition—from constitutional reform and devolution to the 2010 Constitution,” Dr Oginga said, describing Odinga as “the Father of Modern Democracy in Kenya — whose vision, courage, and sacrifice built this movement.”
ODM acting party leader Oburu Oginga speaks during a memorial service for his brother Raila Odinga in Homa Bay Town on November 5, 2025.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation
At Mama Ngina Waterfront, thousands will attend a symbolic ceremony celebrating Odinga’s journey, from detention during the Moi era to his final campaigns. The event will highlight ODM’s achievements, from pushing for the new constitution to defending devolution and empowering women and youth.
Choosing Mombasa, a historic stronghold, underscores ODM’s roots in the Coast region and aims to rekindle grassroots enthusiasm, reinforcing the region’s influence on the party’s future.
Although framed as non-political, insiders say the anniversary is likely to influence 2027 coalition talks.
“Together, we shall secure the legacy. Together, we shall secure the future,” Dr Oginga said.
