ODM to honour Raila’s legacy at 20th anniversary in Mombasa
By Faith Lagat, November 10, 2025The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is set to commemorate its 20th anniversary in Mombasa, paying tribute to the party’s late founder, Raila Amolo Odinga.
The celebrations, scheduled for November 14-16, 2025, come days after the nation bid farewell to the former prime minister at his family home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo.
Also Watch: ODM Leaders Demand Kahiga’s Resignation Over Remarks on Raila’s Death.
Celebrations for Raila
The anniversary, initially postponed earlier this month, was announced through a post on X by ODM on November 10, 2025, stating, “4 Days to go to thr Celebrations for Baba 14 – 16 Nov 2025 • MOMBASA 20 Years of Resilience Orange Democratic Movement #AsanteBaba.”
The post highlighted the party’s intent to honour Raila, affectionately known as “Baba,” whose leadership transformed ODM from a 2005 pressure group into Kenya’s major opposition force.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris also shared her excitement on X, urging, “Hakikisha umeweka tarehe kwenye kalenda yako kuanzia Ijumaa hadi Jumapili, tarehe 14–16 Novemba, tunapomsherehekea RT. Hon. Raila Odinga yaani BABA, maisha yake na mchango wake mkubwa usiopimika kwa Taifa hili.” She added, “Sherehere hii Bomba itakua Mombasa, na tusisahau pia kujivunia miaka 20 ya ODM, chama chenye nguvu zaidi kote Afrika, labda hata duniani kote!”
Leadership transition and party vision
ODM has outlined a series of activities and resolutions aimed at preserving Raila’s political vision and ensuring unity within the party.
At an October 27, 2025, Central Committee meeting, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga was endorsed as the new party leader, with members urged to provide him full support.
“We endorse Hon. Dr Oburu Oginga as the new Party Leader and urge the party rank and file to accord him all the necessary support and cooperation to enable him to guide the party through this difficult time,” the committee stated.
Raila’s state funeral on October 19, 2025, attended by President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and foreign dignitaries, underscored his national and international stature. Buried in Bondo beside his parents and son, his legacy now rests with ODM. Memorial services across the country have been planned, including in Magarini, Homa Bay, and Migori.
Looking ahead
The Mombasa celebrations will feature build-up events culminating in a grand finale that reflects on ODM’s journey and Raila’s role in the party’s growth. ODM also faces financial challenges, with Secretary General Sifuna appealing for the release of funds owed under the Political Parties Fund, stating, “I wish to appeal to the National Government to address the constitutional gap in political party funding, which has seen ODM owed billions in remittances.”
In his final weeks, Raila reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to a broad-based government with Ruto’s administration until 2027. “As the top leadership of this party, we shall continue to pursue all the causes to which he dedicated his life. We reaffirm the Party’s commitment to the broad-based government until 2027 – a relationship guided by the ten-point agenda established in the interest of peace and national stability,” he said.