MOMBASA, KENYA – In a political development freighted with national significance, President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta are attending the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party's 20th-anniversary celebrations in Mombasa this Saturday, November 15, 2025. The unprecedented gathering of Kenya's foremost political figures at an opposition party's summit is being widely interpreted as a clear signal of emerging alliances and a strategic repositioning of the country's political architecture ahead of the 2027 elections.

The three-day event, which began on Friday, November 14, serves as both a commemoration of ODM's two decades in Kenyan politics and a tribute to its late founder, Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025. ODM officials, including the new party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga, confirmed that the invitations to President Ruto and other founding members were in line with Raila Odinga's wishes to reunite the party's original architects for the milestone. President Ruto was a key member of ODM's original 'Pentagon' leadership structure before his departure from the party.

A Summit of Rivals and a New Political Calculus

The presence of President Ruto, leader of the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, and former President Kenyatta, chairman of the rival Azimio la Umoja coalition, at an ODM National Delegates Conference (NDC) is a pivotal moment. Political analysts suggest President Ruto's attendance is a calculated move to build bridges with Odinga's traditional support base, a critical voting bloc he will need to secure a second term in 2027. This follows a period of increased cooperation between the government and the opposition, which has seen ODM take up a role in a 'broad-based government'.

The summit's agenda is focused on consolidating the party's future in the post-Raila era. On Thursday, November 13, the party's National Governing Council (NGC) formally appointed Dr. Oburu Oginga, Raila's elder brother, as the new party leader. The NGC also confirmed a new leadership team, including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as Deputy Party Leaders, a move aimed at ensuring regional balance and stability.

The 2027 Question and ODM's Future

With the nation's political titans converged in Mombasa, the question of the 2027 General Election looms large. The event is fueling speculation that a formal pre-election coalition between President Ruto's camp and ODM is in the offing. Dr. Oburu Oginga has publicly stated that ODM is in the broad-based government "to stay until 2027," reinforcing the belief that a long-term partnership is being forged. However, this has created uncertainty within the broader opposition, with some figures emphasizing the need for a strong, independent opposition to ensure government accountability.

The party is also navigating a delicate internal succession, with several prominent figures seen as potential long-term heirs to Raila Odinga's political mantle. The anniversary celebrations are seen as an opportunity for the new leadership to re-energise the party's base and outline a renewed vision for the future.

Economic Boom for the Coastal Hub

The influx of an estimated 10,000 to 100,000 delegates and supporters for the ODM event, combined with other ongoing conferences like the Kenya Primary School Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) meeting, has delivered a significant economic windfall to Mombasa. Hoteliers, transport operators, and local traders have reported a boom in business, with many accommodation facilities, including hotels and short-term rentals, being fully booked. Sam Ikwaye, an executive officer with the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, confirmed the widespread economic impact, noting benefits for airlines, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and local transport providers like tuk-tuks. The event underscores Mombasa's position as a prime destination for conference tourism in the region.

As the celebrations continue at the Mama Ngina Waterfront, the nation watches closely. The outcomes of the discussions and the symbolic power of this gathering could very well define the alliances and fault lines of Kenyan politics for years to come.