ODM party leader Raila Odinga alongside other top party leadership at a past public event //Photo courtesy
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has postponed its much-awaited 20th anniversary grand finale in Mombasa, moving the event from October to November in order to give more counties a chance to participate in the historic milestone.
The celebrations, which were initially set for October 10–12, will now be held from November 14–16, 2025.
The announcement was made on Friday by ODM@20 Planning Committee Chairperson and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed after a consultative meeting with party leader Raila Odinga at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi.
Junet explained that the decision followed strong calls from members in regions that had not yet hosted ODM@20 activities. While Busia, Wajir, Kisii and Narok counties have already staged successful events, he said there was persistent demand from other parts of the country to be included. According to him, the party resolved to expand the program so that more supporters who could not travel to Mombasa would still take part in the anniversary commemorations.
Under the new plan, ODM will first hold a soccer tournament on October 9–10, followed by celebrations in Kajiado on October 15, Turkana on October 26, and Kilifi’s Magarini constituency on November 2. A major gathering in Nairobi will take place on November 9 before the party finally converges in Mombasa for the three-day finale.
Junet stressed that the postponement should not be viewed as a setback, but as a deliberate strategy to strengthen inclusivity and reinforce the party’s founding values of unity, democracy and participation. He assured supporters that the adjustment was meant to broaden ODM’s reach and ensure the anniversary is celebrated by all Kenyans.
The Mombasa event is expected to draw thousands of supporters, alongside national and regional leaders, party stalwarts and grassroots representatives. It will mark two decades since the formation of ODM, a period during which the party has played a central role in shaping Kenya’s democratic and political journey.
The party has framed the 20th anniversary as not only a time to reflect on its achievements but also as an opportunity to recommit to shaping the country’s future. By extending the activities across the country ahead of the coastal finale, the party hopes to mobilize nationwide participation before closing its 20-year chapter with a colorful and historic climax.
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