By Aoma Keziah,
The Orange Democratic Movement has begun laying the groundwork for its 20th anniversary celebrations with the party’s top leadership meeting in Nairobi on Thursday.
The session, chaired by ODM national chairperson Governor Gladys Wanga, brought together members of the party’s National Executive Committee who reviewed plans for a week-long programme of events set to take place in Mombasa and Kilifi counties later this month.
“This year marks two decades of resilience, struggle and service to the people of Kenya. We intend to celebrate not only our history but also the values that keep the movement alive,” said Edwin Sifuna, ODM Secretary General in a statement sent to newsrooms.
According to Sifuna, the activities will include a football tournament featuring four of the country’s most prominent clubs AFC Leopards, Bandari, Gor Mahia and Shabana, as well as a youth summit, a women’s convention and a special breakfast for persons with disabilities.
Other events on the programme will honour past leaders of the party and those who lost their lives in the struggle for democracy. The party has also lined up an inter-faith prayer meeting and a four-day free medical camp.
In the run-up to the festivities, ODM will host regional gatherings in Wajir on September 20 and in Kisii on September 26.
The committee also reviewed the progress of the ongoing grassroots elections, praising the National Elections Coordinating Committee for what it described as a smooth and transparent exercise so far.
The party leaders used the meeting to reaffirm their readiness for upcoming by-elections, saying the party remains confident of fielding strong candidates.
