ODM to mark 20 years with Mombasa celebration in October

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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will mark its 20th anniversary with a three-day celebration in Mombasa, running from October 10 to October 12, 2025.

The party has invited members, supporters, and all Kenyans to commemorate two(2) decades of political resilience, sacrifice, and what it described as “steady defence of democracy and justice in Kenya”.

ODM Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna said the anniversary is not just about looking back at struggles and victories, but also about renewing the party’s vision for a just, united and prosperous Kenya.

“As the party that has stood at the forefront of defending constitutionalism and people’s rights, we take pride in inviting our members, supporters, and all Kenyans to our 20th anniversary celebrations,” said the Nairobi Senator in a statement.

According to Mr Sifuna, the anniversary programme will include a Youth Summit, a Women’s Convention, and a Youth Concert, as well as a football tournament featuring AFC Leopards, Bandari, Gor Mahia and Shabana.

Build-up events will take place in Migori and Wajir counties as part of ODM’s commitment to grassroots participation.

ODM traces its origins to the 2005 constitutional referendum. The Electoral Commission of Kenya assigned the “orange” symbol to the “No” side, opposing the draft constitution.

Rival camps used banana for the “Yes.” This referendum catalysed the formation of the Orange movement, which later became the political party ODM.

The original leadership structure of ODM, often referred to as the “Pentagon,” included Raila Odinga, William Ruto, Musalia Mudavadi, Najib Balala and the late Joe Nyaga.

Founding members also include Anyang’ Nyong’o and Charity Ngilu.

Recently in an interview, Mr Sifuna explained why ODM has endured through national political turbulence.

“Many ask what has kept ODM this long. Look at clause 7 of the ODM constitution—it defines the values the party upholds. A party without values cannot last. A party formed just for elections cannot survive,” he said.

He contrasted ODM’s longevity with several parties that once held power but have since diminished or dissolved.

“How many parties do we see that produced presidents but are barely heard of now? PNU under Kibaki—where is it? TNA—you know what happened. Yet ODM is still here, because we have something called values.”

The anniversary comes at a time of internal shift: after the 10-point agreement between ODM and UDA, which led to ODM members holding cabinet posts under the Broad-Based Government.

Critics, however, argue that ODM must clarify its identity going into 2027, especially as it works with UDA under the current political arrangement.

As the party prepares for the celebration, it is expected that founding members including Raila Odinga, Anyang’ Nyong’o, Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi will be in attendance.

The choice of Mombasa is symbolic: a multi-ethnic coastal city that echoes ODM’s message of inclusivity.

“We are going to have 20 years of ODM in October. And all the founding members are going to be invited,” Mr Raila Odinga said at a parliamentary group meeting.

“One of the founding members of ODM is sitting here with you,” he added in reference to President Ruto, adding, “we started this movement.”