NAIROBI, Kenya- As Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) gears up for grassroots elections on November 27, 2024, party leader Raila Odinga is stepping in to address growing cracks within his political stronghold.
Meeting with Western Kenya leaders on Tuesday, Odinga emphasized unity and urged party members to work together for a successful election season.
Odinga hosted a dinner meeting with elected ODM leaders from Western Kenya at a Nairobi hotel, where he outlined the critical role of solidarity in the party’s success.
Addressing key figures like Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, he called for peaceful elections and warned against internal divisions.
“The elections should be peaceful,” Odinga said, underscoring the importance of fostering harmony among party supporters. He reminded leaders that ODM’s strength in the region hinges on collaboration and collective leadership.
This message comes as ODM intensifies its efforts to solidify its presence in Western Kenya, a crucial bloc for the party in upcoming national elections.
However, ODM’s unity drive faces challenges elsewhere. In Migori County, tensions are brewing as grassroots elections draw closer.
Nyatike MP Tom Mboya Odege expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation among local leaders, pointing to poor communication that left several key figures absent from a recent delegates’ meeting.
The meeting, convened by Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, was attended by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga.
Despite the visible divisions, Wanga dismissed concerns, urging members to focus on a voter registration drive aimed at boosting the party’s numerical strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wanga also reiterated ODM’s readiness for future political alliances, emphasizing that the party’s influence remains pivotal in shaping Kenya’s national agenda.
ODM leaders have sought to reassure members that the November 27 elections will be free and fair.
Governor Ayacko and Kuria West MP Mathias Robby stressed the party’s vital role in any future government, citing its consistent impact on national politics despite past presidential election setbacks.
Wanga’s closing call to action was clear: “Let’s embrace peace, unity, and focus on building ODM’s strength for the future.”
As ODM navigates these internal dynamics, the upcoming elections will serve as both a test and a stepping stone for the party’s ambitions in 2027.
