Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir says the county is fully prepared to host the ODM@20 celebrations, with thousands of delegates already arriving in the city for the weekend-long programme.
Governor Nassir, who also serves as the ODM Deputy Party Leader, said the line-up includes a Women’s League meeting, youth activities, a street carnival and the main anniversary event on Saturday.
“We are ready,” he said. “Delegates are coming from all over the country, and the turnout already shows the strength of our party. Hotels are full, flights are full, and some delegations are even booking school facilities for accommodation.”
He added that the celebrations would honour the late Raila Odinga’s legacy on constitutional reform, social democracy and land rights in the Coast region.
“People want to celebrate 20 years of ODM and also the life of our late party leader,” he said. “He consistently spoke about constitutional rights and land issues affecting the Coastal people.”
Nassir also assured attendees of safety during the weekend. “Security personnel have been brought in not just from Mombasa but also from neighbouring counties,” he said.
Mombasa Women Representative Zamzam Mohamed said women from across the country have mobilised for Friday’s Women’s League activities.
“As you can see, everyone is already energised. The women are fully prepared and ready for this celebration. The spirit of Baba is still alive because he inspired many women and young people across this country,” said Zamzam.
She added that the anniversary reflects ODM’s continued energy.
“The excitement within ODM shows clearly that the party has always been at the centre of political momentum and development in Kenya,” she said.
According to ODM Executive Director Oloo Ong’wen, the ODM@20 celebrations were being marked with both pride and sadness.
“We would have wanted this to be a purely joyful celebration, but unfortunately we are marking 20 years without our father and reformer,” said Ong’wen.
He said thousands of delegates had been sponsored by the party to attend, alongside other thousands of self-sponsored members.
“The number is very large, and for those who cannot make it to Mombasa, we will provide a link so that they can follow the proceedings from wherever they are,” he said.
ODM Mombasa Chairperson Mohamed Hamid Khamis welcomed delegates arriving from across the country and assured them of security and smooth coordination.
“Security has been assured, and we have worked with county leadership to ensure that accommodation and safety arrangements are in place,” said Khamis.
The ODM@20 celebrations will run through the weekend, culminating in the main anniversary gathering on Saturday at Mama Ngina waterfront.