As the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) marks its 20th anniversary in Mombasa this week, attention is shifting from celebration to contemplation — particularly over what the future holds for the party beyond its founding leader, Raila Amolo Odinga.
The three-day event, running from November 14 to 16, is expected to draw thousands of supporters and party officials to the coastal city.
But amid the festivities, quiet conversations within the party are increasingly centred on succession, unity, and renewal.
Acting party leader Oburu Odinga captured the mood when he said the anniversary would be both a celebration and a reflection on the movement’s next phase.
“As we commemorate this landmark, we do so in honour of the indelible legacy of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga — whose vision, courage, and sacrifice built this movement,” he said.
ODM’s story is deeply intertwined with Raila’s political journey — from the struggle for multi-party democracy to the 2007 and 2022 presidential bids that cemented his status as a reform icon.
Yet, as Raila advances in age and remains tight-lipped about his political future, the question of who will take up the mantle is becoming unavoidable.
Party insiders hint that the Mombasa gathering will offer an opportunity for emerging leaders — including governors, MPs, and youth representatives — to showcase their loyalty and readiness to steer ODM into the next political season.
The anniversary’s schedule reflects this generational shift. Friday will feature a Youth and Women Summit, alongside an ODM Disability League Breakfast, designed to amplify voices often left out of mainstream politics. A night concert for the youth is also planned to celebrate ODM’s next generation.
Philip Etale, the party’s communications director, has rallied members to travel together via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) on November 13 for a show of solidarity. “Let’s SGR together to celebrate Baba in Mombasa,” he said — a message that has ignited excitement among loyalists eager to honour Raila one more time.
The celebrations will culminate in a grand rally at Mama Ngina Waterfront, followed by a Founders’ Dinner at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and an interfaith thanksgiving service on Sunday.
But beyond the music, speeches, and nostalgia, the underlying question remains: can ODM reinvent itself as a modern, people-driven party that outlives its founding hero?
