The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will go ahead with its 20th anniversary celebrations in November, turning the event into a tribute to the late Raila Odinga, who founded and led the party for two decades.
Mombasa Governor and ODM deputy leader Abdulswamad Nassir said the planned event will celebrate Raila’s lifelong struggle for democracy, equality, and social justice, values that defined his leadership and inspired generations.
“Mr Odinga trusted me to hold the ODM 20th anniversary. Come November, Mombasa will host the celebrations. We will not only mark the party’s two decades of existence but also celebrate the years Raila dedicated to building and defending ODM and the people’s rights,” Nassir told mourners during Odinga’s burial in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday.
The governor said the anniversary will serve as both a commemoration and a renewal of ODM’s commitment to defending public welfare and transparency.
“ODM must fight for the rights of the people,” he stated, calling on members to continue advancing the ideals that Odinga stood for. Nassir was joined by party officials and delegates from Mombasa who paid their last respects to the opposition icon.
Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, where he had been receiving treatment. His body was flown home the following day and laid to rest on Sunday, fulfilling his wish to be buried within 72 hours.
The anniversary, which was initially planned for October 10 to 12, was postponed after consultations with Odinga, who requested that other counties complete their regional events first.
Nassir recalled that the postponement followed a personal call from Odinga, who invited him to Nairobi for discussions. Raila reportedly expressed concern that holding the Mombasa event first would overshadow celebrations in other regions.
As a result, the governor and his team agreed to delay the event and instead held a football tournament featuring Shabana, Gor Mahia, Bandari, and the ODM team to keep supporters engaged.
The Mombasa celebrations will now take place between November 14 and 16. ODM has already marked its 20th anniversary in several counties including Busia, Wajir, Kisii, and Narok.
During the burial ceremony, Nassir rallied members to reinforce the party’s grassroots structures ahead of upcoming by-elections in Kasipul, Ugenya, and Magarini, and to prepare for the 2027 General Election.
“All of us in the party will go to the people to mobilise and ensure we win by-elections in Kasipul, Ugenya, and Magarini. People will come out in your honour, Baba, and ensure to raise your face,” Nassir said. He expressed confidence that ODM will play a defining role in shaping the next government. “Come 2027, ODM will not be in the opposition. We will vote in August, and in September we shall be either in government or be the government,” he declared.
Nassir also addressed the party’s partnership with President William Ruto’s administration, clarifying that joining the broad-based government was a collective decision guided by Raila before his passing.
“Raila told us to join the broad-based government. We sat for hours asking ourselves whether to join President Ruto’s government or not. We all decided to join the broad-based framework,” he said.
He dismissed claims of betrayal, saying ODM’s move was in line with Odinga’s strategic vision.
“I want to assure you that we did not betray you, Mr Odinga, when you were alive, and we will not betray you now that you are gone. We will remain committed to the broad-based government and stay true to your legacy,” Nassir said.
His position was supported by ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, who confirmed that Odinga had given firm instructions for the party to remain part of the unity framework.
