Ruto to Attend ODM’s 20th Anniversary in Mombasa

President William Ruto will attend the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) twentieth anniversary celebrations in Mombasa this week, marking his first major appearance at a party event since the death of its founding leader, Raila Odinga.

The three-day commemoration will be ODM’s first national gathering since Raila’s passing and is expected to blend remembrance with renewed political interest. Ruto, one of the party’s original Pentagon members alongside Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi, Najib Balala, Joe Nyaga and Charity Ngilu, is scheduled to join the celebrations from Friday to Sunday.

Acting party leader Oburu Odinga and ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen have said the invitation reflects Raila’s wish for the party’s founding members to reunite for the anniversary. The programme will begin on Thursday with a National Governing Council meeting, followed by a Disability League breakfast on Friday and concurrent forums for the party’s women and youth wings, ending with a youth concert.

Saturday will feature a tribute to Raila at Mama Ngina Waterfront and an ODM Founders’ dinner at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort. The events will close on Sunday with an interfaith thanksgiving service.

Invitations have also been extended to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, and former Assistant Minister Julia Ojiambo. The attendance of Mudavadi and Ngilu remains uncertain, though their presence would reflect the broad coalition that shaped ODM’s early years.

Ruto’s participation is expected to draw significant attention throughout the weekend. His relationship with ODM has shifted over time, shaped by alternating alliances and rivalries during multiple election cycles. Some within the party view his attendance as a gesture of respect, while others see it as a potential move to influence ODM’s direction following Raila’s death.