ODM Delays 20th Anniversary Event in Mombasa

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has postponed its main 20th anniversary event in Mombasa to 14–16 November 2025, moving it from the originally scheduled dates of 10–12 October.

The decision was announced on Friday by ODM@20 Planning Committee Chair and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, following a strategy meeting with party leader Raila Odinga in Nairobi. Mohamed said the rescheduling aims to allow more counties to take part in the anniversary celebrations, following calls from regions that have not yet hosted related events.

ODM has already held commemorative activities in Busia, Wajir, Kisii, and Narok. However, Mohamed noted that the party received widespread requests for broader regional inclusion. “There remains a strong call from other regions across the country for us to extend this historic commemoration to their areas as well,” he said.

In response, the party has outlined a revised calendar of regional events leading up to the final Mombasa celebration. These include a football tournament on 9–10 October, with teams such as Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards SC, Bandari FC, and Shabana FC expected to participate. 

Additional rallies and public engagements are scheduled for Kajiado on 15 October, Turkana on 26 October, Magarini in Kilifi County on 2 November, and Nairobi on 9 November. A Youth Concert featuring artistic performances will also be held during the final celebrations in Mombasa. Mohamed described the postponement as a strategic adjustment aimed at enhancing national outreach and inclusivity. 

“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,” he said.

ODM was established in 2005 during the constitutional referendum campaign and drew its name from the orange symbol used to represent opposition to the proposed draft constitution. Over the past 20 years, the party has remained a prominent force in Kenyan politics, often advocating for democratic reforms and citizen participation in governance.

The Mombasa event is expected to attract a wide range of political leaders, including governors, senators, members of parliament, and local representatives. Alongside marking two decades of the party’s existence, the event will serve as a platform for political mobilisation and reflection on ODM’s founding principles.