Ruto, Uhuru to attend ODM fete as debate over 2027 fate intensifies

ODM Party leader Dr Oburu Oginga with party officials arrive at Swahilipot for a meeting of the special session of the national governing council in Mombasa on November 14,2025. [Omondi Onyango,Standard]

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has lined up a number of activities in various venues in Mombasa to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

An estimated 10,000 delegates have arrived for the celebrations, bringing brisk business to hotels and transport companies in th port town.

Today, the party is set for the main celebrations at the seaside Mama Ngina Waterfront Park on Mombasa Island, followed by a dinner for the leaders.

Yesterday, the Orange party had a busy day when it convened the youth and women conferences at Swahili Pot Hub in Mvita Sub-county and at the Jomo Kenyatta Agricultural Show of Kenya grounds in Mkomani, Nyali Sub-county, respectively.

Leaders shuttled to address the meetings ahead of the main celebrations that will bring together its members.

Members are set for a street party to be held at Uhuru Park/Pembe Ya Ndovu on Moi Avenue today. Moi Avenue was closed yesterday ahead of the extravaganza.

Among the dignitaries expected to attend the much-publicised fiesta are President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir said President William Ruto is expected to attend the ODM dinner today.

The Mombasa governor, however, did not confirm whether Uhuru, who was initially invited by the late party leader Raila Odinga, will attend the celebrations.

“Yes, President Ruto will attend the dinner event. All leaders in the country were invited, but we do not know who will attend,” he added.

Ruto has been keen to inherit Raila's huge following spread out from Nyanza, Western, Nairobi and the Coast region, among other areas.

Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho, Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi and Wycliffe Oparanya, who Raila donated to the broad-based government, have rallied for ODM to support President Ruto in the 2027 elections.

However, young Turks in ODM, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, want the party to remain distinct and field its own presidential candidate.

Siaya governor James Orengo has repeatedly warned that any attempt to 'kill political parties" is unacceptable.

Orengo argued that killing parties would be an affront to democracies, as they are the foundation.

Among the ODM leaders attending the celebrations are party leader Oburu Odinga, chairperson Gladys Wanga, Sifuna, and deputy party leaders Simba Arati, Godfrey Osotsi and Nassir.

Others are Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Kakamega governor Ferdinand Barasa, Migori governor Ochilo Ayacko, Kilifi governor Gideon Mung’aro and Orengo.