President William Ruto has donated Sh1 million to facilitate the travel of ODM youth attending the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor — popularly known as Jalang’o — has revealed.
Speaking at an ODM meeting in Nairobi, Odiwuor said he informed the President that a group of eager party youth wanted to attend the milestone celebrations but lacked the means to travel. Ruto responded positively, offering the contribution to support their journey to the Coast.
The announcement was met with cheers from the youth, who described it as a gesture of goodwill.
However, political analysts suggest Ruto’s move could carry strategic undertones, positioning him as a figure reaching beyond his political base and appealing to young voters traditionally aligned with opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
On Thursday morning, the Nairobi SGR terminus was awash with orange flags and festive energy as ODM delegates prepared to travel to Mombasa.
Traditional attire, Isikuti drumming, and rhythmic dancing filled the station, highlighting the party’s cultural diversity and youth mobilisation efforts.
The celebrations, scheduled from November 14 to 16, will honour the late party leader Raila Odinga, whose political legacy remains central to ODM’s influence.
Party officials have urged supporters to travel together on the morning SGR train on November 13 to ensure a unified presence.
“Let’s SGR together! Book your SGR ticket now so we can celebrate Baba in Mombasa,” ODM communication director Philip Etale said, underscoring the importance of unity and coordination among supporters.
