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ODM to mark 20th anniversary in Mombasa this November as tribute to late Raila Odinga’s legacy

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Author: Waithanji Kaberi

October 21, 2025

2 min.read

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will hold its postponed 20th anniversary celebrations in November, with the event now dedicated to honoring the late Raila Odinga’s lifelong commitment to democracy and social justice.

Confirming the development, Mombasa Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir said the celebrations, scheduled for November 14 to 16, will take place in Mombasa County and serve as both a milestone for the party and a heartfelt tribute to Raila’s legacy.

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

The governor called on ODM members to remain firm in upholding Raila’s principles of justice, accountability, and equality, noting that the party’s strength lies in its unity and grassroots mobilization.

“ODM must continue fighting for the rights of the people,” he said. “We must stay true to the values that Baba stood for throughout his political journey.”

Nassir, accompanied by county leaders and party delegates, joined thousands of mourners in honoring Raila, who passed away in India on October 15, 2025, while undergoing treatment. He was laid to rest three days later, in accordance with his wish to be buried within 72 hours.

The ODM anniversary had initially been set for October 10 to 12, but was postponed after Raila advised that other counties should hold their local celebrations first. “He called me personally and said we should allow other counties to celebrate before the grand event in Mombasa,” Nassir recalled.

To keep supporters engaged, the Mombasa branch organized a football tournament on October 9 and 10, featuring Shabana, Gor Mahia, Bandari, and the ODM football team, ahead of the rescheduled main event.

ODM has already held regional celebrations in Busia, Wajir, Kisii, and Narok, as part of its build-up to the national commemoration.

During Raila’s state funeral, Nassir rallied ODM members to strengthen their grassroots presence and prepare for upcoming by-elections in Kasipul, Ugenya, and Magarini, ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“All of us will go to the people to mobilize and ensure we win the by-elections in Baba’s honor,” he said.

Nassir reaffirmed that ODM is positioning itself not just as a strong opposition force but as a party ready to lead Kenya.

“Come 2027, ODM will not be in the opposition,” he declared. “We will vote in August, and by September, ODM will either be in government or be the government.”

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Waithanji Kaberi