MOMBASA, Kenya – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has postponed its much-anticipated 20th anniversary celebrations that were set to run in Mombasa between October 10 and 12, 2025, pushing the event to November in order to widen its national outreach.
ODM Secretary-General Junet Mohammed announced the rescheduling after a consultative meeting with party leader Raila Odinga.
“After careful consideration, the Party Leader graciously agreed to our request to expand the program and ensure inclusivity by engaging with more counties before converging in Mombasa for the grand celebrations,” he said.
The revised program will see ODM host several pre-events across the country.
These include a soccer tournament on October 9 and 10, followed by engagements in Kajiado on October 15, Turkana on October 26, Magarini in Kilifi County on November 2, and Nairobi on November 9. The celebrations will now culminate in Mombasa from November 14 to 16.
Party officials explained that the move was designed to deepen inclusivity and affirm ODM’s identity as a national movement.
“We wish to assure our members, supporters, and the general public that the postponement is meant to strengthen our outreach, deepen inclusivity, and ensure that this milestone in our party’s history is celebrated by all Kenyans, in line with our values of unity, democracy, and participation,” Junet added.
Preparations for ODM@20 have been ongoing for months, with the party’s National Executive Committee, led by Chairperson Gladys Wanga, unveiling a rich programme in September.
Activities include a four-team knockout football tournament featuring AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia, Bandari, and Shabana, alongside a Youth Summit, a Women’s Convention, and a Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) breakfast forum.
The party also launched a delegate registration drive, offering support for selected participants from all 290 constituencies, while allowing other members to register at their own expense via the ODM portal.
Political analysts view the rescheduling as a strategic step to energize ODM’s grassroots networks ahead of the 2027 General Election. By extending the anniversary calendar to include multiple counties, the party seeks to reassert its national appeal and strengthen bonds with its supporters across regions.
The November celebrations in Mombasa are expected to be historic, marking two decades of ODM’s role in Kenya’s political arena, from its struggle for constitutional reforms to its current position as a key opposition force.
