MOMBASA, Kenya – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) marked its 20th anniversary with a three-day celebration in Mombasa from Friday, November 14, to Sunday, November 16, 2025, placing a strategic emphasis on engaging Kenya's youth. The coastal city, a traditional ODM stronghold, hosted a series of events designed to honour the legacy of its late founder, Raila Odinga, and to chart a new course for the party, with youth engagement emerging as a central pillar of its forward-looking strategy.

The cornerstone of this youth-focused strategy was a dedicated Youth Summit held on Friday, November 14, which drew hundreds of young delegates from across the country. Addressing the convention, the newly endorsed National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor, Gladys Wanga, issued a direct appeal to the younger generation. "ODM Youth, take over the party, make it vibrant and strong and take us to Canaan," she urged, positioning them as the essential 'engine' to propel the party to victory in the 2027 elections. Wanga's address underscored the party's intent to cultivate a new generation of leaders, a point further solidified by the announcement of plans to establish a Raila Odinga Leadership Academy dedicated to training young political talent.

While the party's outreach to the youth demographic was clear and robust, specific details regarding targeted engagement with students at coastal universities, such as the Technical University of Mombasa or Pwani University, remain unconfirmed. The official programme focused on a centralized Youth Summit rather than individual campus-based events. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.

A Party in Transition

The anniversary celebrations were the party's first major national gathering since the passing of its iconic leader, Raila Odinga, on October 15, 2025, according to reports. The event served as a platform to formalize a new leadership structure, with the National Governing Council confirming Senator Oburu Oginga, Mr. Odinga's brother, as the acting Party Leader. H.E. Gladys Wanga's endorsement as the first female National Chairperson was another landmark development.

The Mombasa gathering was not without signs of internal political maneuvering. Speeches from senior leaders hinted at ongoing debates about the party's direction and its relationship with President William Ruto's government. Siaya Governor James Orengo asserted that "Ruto needs ODM; it's not ODM that needs Ruto," cautioning against the party being 'swallowed'. These sentiments reflect a broader discussion within ODM on whether to maintain a distinct opposition identity or deepen its cooperation with the ruling administration ahead of 2027.

Strategic Importance of the Coast

Choosing Mombasa for the anniversary was a deliberate move to reaffirm the party's connection with the Coast region, a critical support base. Mombasa Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader, H.E. Abdulswamad Nassir, played a prominent role in the event's organization, emphasizing the city's historic political significance. The influx of thousands of delegates also provided a significant, if temporary, boost to the local economy, with hotels and transport services reporting a surge in business.

The event's programme was extensive, including a Disability League Breakfast, a Women's Convention, and a main celebration at the Mama Ngina Waterfront on Saturday, November 15. The celebrations were scheduled to conclude with an interdenominational prayer service on Sunday, November 16. The presence of founding members and high-profile political figures, including the anticipated attendance of President William Ruto, a former ODM Pentagon member, highlighted the event's national significance.

For Kenya, ODM's strategic focus on the youth at this juncture is a critical development. As the nation's largest demographic, the youth vote is a powerful and often decisive factor in electoral outcomes. By launching leadership academies and calling for a generational takeover, ODM is making a calculated effort to secure its relevance and competitiveness for the next decade. The success of this outreach, particularly in historically loyal regions like the Coast, will be a key determinant of the party's strength and Kenya's political trajectory leading into the 2027 elections.