ODM rallies kick off ahead of 20th anniversary

By Newsflash Repoter

ODM leader Raila Odinga will this weekend lead two major regional rallies as the Orange Democratic Movement intensifies preparations for its 20th anniversary celebrations.

The party will first hold a rally in Wajir, a traditional stronghold, on Saturday before moving to Kisii town on Friday next week. Both events are seen as critical in energizing ODM supporters and signaling the party’s political resilience ahead of 2027.

Party secretary general Edwin Sifuna said the rallies are part of the build-up to the main celebrations scheduled for October 10–12 in Mombasa.

“As part of the build-up to the main festivities, ODM will host regional events in Wajir town on September 20 and in Kisii on September 26,” Sifuna said.

Consolidating support in strongholds

ODM insiders say Raila is keen to use the Wajir and Kisii rallies to reassure his base while consolidating support in regions long loyal to him. Kisii remains strategically important amid shifting political dynamics, including the emergence of former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.

The decision to hold the events was approved at a National Executive Committee meeting chaired by ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga in Nairobi. The meeting was attended by Sifuna, deputy party leaders Abdulswamad Nassir and Simba Arati, as well as National Assembly Minority leader Junet Mohamed.

“The event will also bring together founding members of ODM. It is going to be a reunion of those who began the party and are still around,” Wanga said.

National celebrations in Mombasa

The three-day anniversary in Mombasa is expected to draw high-profile leaders including President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Unlike past milestones, the 20th anniversary will feature back-to-back activities including a four-team football tournament with Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Shabana and Bandari FC, a youth summit, a women’s summit, a summit for people with disabilities, and an interfaith prayer meeting.

“The celebrations are not just about looking back, but also about charting a fresh path for ODM as we approach 2027,” said a senior party official.

A test of ODM’s strength

The planned rallies and anniversary activities have already sparked political chatter. Supporters view them as proof of ODM’s enduring strength, while critics argue Raila is using the events to reenergize his troops for another battlefront.

ODM was founded out of the 2005 constitutional referendum, when the “No” campaign symbolized by the orange defeated proposed changes with 58.12 percent of the vote. The orange symbol, borrowed from the ballot, later became the party’s enduring identity.

With 20 years behind it, ODM is presenting the celebrations as both a commemoration of its past and a bold statement of its future ambitions.

“Raila is expected to use the platforms to outline ODM’s agenda for the future and showcase its resilience,” said a party strategist.