The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced a three-day celebration to mark its 20th anniversary.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 10, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said the celebrations are scheduled to take place from October 10th to 12th in Mombasa.
Sifuna said the party is proud to commemorate two decades of political resilience and its continued role in shaping Kenya’s democratic journey.
"The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) marks two decades of resilience, sacrifice, and unyielding commitment to democracy, justice, and the people of Kenya.
"As the Party that has stood at the forefront of defending constitutionalism and people’s rights, we take pride in inviting our members, supporters, and all Kenyans to our 20th anniversary celebrations," the statement read.
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Sifuna added that the festivities will feature a wide range of events, including a Youth Summit bringing together young leaders, a Women Convention celebrating the role of women in democracy, and a Youth Concert showcasing talent and creativity within the Orange Movement.
The celebrations will also feature a four-team football tournament featuring AFC Leopards SC, Bandari FC, Gor Mahia FC, and Shabana FC.
"The three-day festivities will feature: A Youth Summit, bringing together young leaders and visionaries to chart the future. A Women Convention, celebrating the role of women in our democratic struggles and envisioning a more inclusive society.
"A vibrant Youth Concert, showcasing talent, creativity, and the spirit of the Orange Movement. A thrilling 4-team football tournament involving AFC Leopards SC, Bandari FC, Gor Mahia FC, and Shabana FC, symbolizing unity through sport," the statement added.
In addition, Sifuna said the party will stage build-up activities across the country, with major highlights planned in Migori and Wajir counties.
"In addition, build-up events will be staged across the country, with major highlights in Migori and Wajir counties, as part of ODM’s commitment to inclusivity and grassroots participation," the statement further read.
ODM traces its roots to Kenya’s 2005 constitutional referendum. During the vote, the ballot symbols were a banana for 'Yes' and an orange for 'No'.
The 'No' camp, which opposed the proposed constitution, rallied under the orange symbol and went on to win with about 58 percent of the votes.
Following this victory, leaders in the movement, among them Najib Balala, Uhuru Kenyatta, and Anyang’ Nyong’o, debated over a fitting name.
Balala proposed 'Orange Democratic Movement,' describing it as a movement of ideas and good governance, a name that quickly caught on and gained traction across the country.
After the referendum, the Orange bloc began transforming from a loose coalition into a structured political party.
However, controversy emerged when lawyer Mugambi Imanyara moved ahead to register the name ODM before the main leaders could.
This triggered protests within the movement, but four months before the 2007 elections, Imanyara handed over the registration rights to Raila Odinga’s faction, giving them control of the party.
In 2007, deep divisions within the group led to a dramatic split; Raila, backed by William Ruto, Musalia Mudavadi, Najib Balala, and Joseph Nyagah, retained ODM, while Kalonzo Musyoka and his allies broke away to form ODM–Kenya, which was later renamed the Wiper Democratic Movement–Kenya.
