The milestone event, held at the historic Mama Ngina Waterfront, drew a mix of party loyalists, founding members, and young leaders seeking to define the party’s future as it heads toward the 2027 elections.
Winnie, daughter of the late ODM founder Raila Odinga, arrived for the celebrations a few minutes past 12:40 pm on Friday, setting the tone for what insiders have described as a defining moment in Kenya’s political history.
Winnie, daughter of the late ODM founder Raila Odinga, arrived for the celebrations a few minutes past 12:40 pm on Friday, setting the tone for what insiders have described as a defining moment in Kenya’s political history.
The event was staged over three days, from November 14 to 16, and aimed to honor Raila’s legacy while charting a path forward for Kenya’s most enduring opposition party.
In her address, Winnie warned that the party’s future should not be treated as “pillow talk,” emphasizing that ODM was not conceived in a boardroom or a private chamber but emerged from the people’s struggle.
In her address, Winnie warned that the party’s future should not be treated as “pillow talk,” emphasizing that ODM was not conceived in a boardroom or a private chamber but emerged from the people’s struggle.
“ODM was born from protest. It was raised in resistance, and the people of ODM have, time and time again, bled, sweat, and shed tears for this country called Kenya,” she said.
Winnie continued to stress the party’s resilience, insisting that while ODM may not always get things right, it will never apologize for being “inconvenient” in the pursuit of nation-building.
Winnie continued to stress the party’s resilience, insisting that while ODM may not always get things right, it will never apologize for being “inconvenient” in the pursuit of nation-building.
She countered critics who label ODM members as “goons,” asserting that what the party does is, in essence, nation-building—a process that is naturally untidy, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful.
“Nation-building has left us in tears as ODM at the People’s Party, time and time again. But we, ODM, belong to the people and we will continue growing because the young people of ODM have conviction,” she stated.
The anniversary celebration brought together key political figures, including President William Ruto and former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, along with a host of founding members and party veterans.
The anniversary celebration brought together key political figures, including President William Ruto and former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, along with a host of founding members and party veterans.
ODM officials confirmed that the events were designed to commemorate two decades of political engagement, celebrate the party’s achievements in promoting devolution and civil liberties, and reaffirm the commitment of members to uphold democratic principles.
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, officially approved as the party’s leader pending ratification by the National Delegates Convention, described the anniversary as a reflective moment for the party.
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, officially approved as the party’s leader pending ratification by the National Delegates Convention, described the anniversary as a reflective moment for the party.
“As we commemorate this landmark, we do so in honor of the indelible legacy of our departed party leader, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, the father of modern democracy in Kenya. His vision, courage, and sacrifice built this movement,” Oburu said.
The program kicked off early Friday with an ODM Disability League breakfast, followed by parallel summits for the party’s women and youth wings.
The program kicked off early Friday with an ODM Disability League breakfast, followed by parallel summits for the party’s women and youth wings.
The day concluded with a youth concert, highlighting the party’s emphasis on nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Saturday’s focus shifted to Raila’s vision, achievements, and political legacy, with members publicly recommitting to safeguard the democratic gains earned through two decades of activism.
A formal ODM Founders’ Dinner at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and an inter-religious thanksgiving service were also part of the celebrations, underscoring the party’s deep roots in Kenya’s political and social landscape.
A formal ODM Founders’ Dinner at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and an inter-religious thanksgiving service were also part of the celebrations, underscoring the party’s deep roots in Kenya’s political and social landscape.
Party officials promised further engagement through rallies, cultural showcases, and community activities, solidifying Mombasa’s role as the central hub for this landmark event.
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