Thousands March in Orange as Mombasa Celebrates ODM’s 20th Anniversary

MOMBASA — A sea of orange flooded Mombasa’s streets on Saturday as thousands of ODM supporters marched from Treasury Square to the iconic Mama Ngina Waterfront in a spectacular dual celebration marking the party’s 20th anniversary and party leader Raila Odinga’s 80th birthday.

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Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir led the procession alongside ODM Deputy Party Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga, in what organisers described as one of the largest political gatherings the coastal city has witnessed in recent years.

“A Sea of Orange, Pride, and Unity”

“Together with our Party Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga, we led a mighty procession of thousands from Treasury Square to the iconic Mama Ngina Waterfront: a sea of orange, pride, unity, and unshakable belief,” Governor Nassir declared on social media following the march.

The Governor painted a vivid picture of the celebration: “The chants, the songs, the energy; all of it reminded us why ODM remains the heartbeat of Kenya’s democratic journey.”

The waterfront venue provided a dramatic backdrop as supporters, draped in the party’s signature orange colours, filled the promenade with singing, dancing, and political declarations of loyalty to the movement.

Two Decades of Democratic Struggle

The ODM @ 20 celebrations served as both a reflection on the party’s history and a rallying cry for its future. Formed in 2005, the Orange Democratic Movement has been a dominant force in Kenyan politics, championing what its leaders describe as justice, equity, and the aspirations of ordinary Kenyans.

“For two decades, our movement has stood boldly for justice, equity, and the true aspirations of our people,” Governor Nassir told supporters. “And today, we celebrated not just our history, but our FUTURE.”

The dual celebration with “Baba @ 80” — referring to Raila Odinga’s milestone birthday — added emotional weight to the proceedings, with supporters viewing the veteran politician’s eight decades as inextricably linked to Kenya’s democratic evolution.

Youth, Women, and the Party’s Soul

In his address, Governor Nassir made a point of recognizing the diverse coalition that makes up ODM’s base, singling out youth, women, elders, and die-hard supporters who participated in the march.

“To every youth, every woman, every elder, every diehard supporter who walked with us: YOU are the soul of this party,” he emphasized.

The Governor’s rhetoric struck a forward-looking tone even as the party celebrated its past achievements.

“Long live the Orange Movement! Long live the spirit of Baba!” Nassir declared. “The journey continues — stronger, louder, and more united than ever.”

A Show of Coastal Strength

The massive turnout in Mombasa serves as a demonstration of ODM’s continued strength in the coastal region, a traditional stronghold for the party. The choice of Mama Ngina Waterfront — a landmark tourist attraction and public space — ensured maximum visibility for the celebration.

As Tanzania’s Jay Melody prepares to headline the evening’s entertainment portion of the ODM @ 20 celebrations, the party’s message is clear: after two decades, the Orange movement believes its best days still lie ahead.

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