KILGORIS, Kenya – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced plans to hold a mega rally and launch a new branch office in Kilgoris, Narok County, as the party steps up grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
ODM said the rally will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026, bringing together party supporters, local leaders and grassroots officials.
“Kilgoris tunakuja… Chama kiko imara,” the party said in a social media post, signalling its intention to showcase its organisational strength in the constituency.
The rally will also coincide with the launch of an ODM branch office in Kilgoris, reflecting the party’s efforts to strengthen its structures and increase its presence at the grassroots.
ODM steps up grassroots mobilisation
The planned Kilgoris event comes as ODM intensifies efforts to consolidate its support base ahead of the 2027 elections.
Party leader Oburu Oginga has repeatedly called on members to remain united and strengthen grassroots networks, arguing that a strong organisational structure will be crucial to the party’s political fortunes.
In May 2026, Oburu urged ODM supporters to formally register as party members to increase the party’s membership and strengthen its grassroots presence.
He also pledged that the party would conduct free and fair nominations ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Kilgoris mobilisation is part of a wider effort by ODM to establish and reinforce party structures in areas beyond its traditional political strongholds.
ODM-UDA political partnership
The rally comes against the backdrop of significant political realignments ahead of the next General Election.
ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have been working towards a broader political partnership, including the development of structures for a possible 2027 coalition and joint manifesto.
Oburu has previously said that ODM will not field a presidential candidate in 2027, with the party instead expected to support Ruto’s re-election bid under the emerging political arrangement.
The planned mobilisation in Kilgoris could therefore provide an opportunity for ODM to strengthen its local structures while preparing supporters for the party’s evolving political strategy.
Kilgoris political significance
Kilgoris is one of six constituencies in Narok County and is an important political centre in the Trans Mara region.
The local economy is largely driven by agriculture and trade, while the constituency’s proximity to the Maasai Mara gives tourism an additional economic role.
Kilgoris has also remained a competitive political constituency.
In the 2022 General Election, Julius Lekakeny Sunkuli recaptured the Kilgoris parliamentary seat on a KANU ticket, defeating his closest challenger, John Lekakeny Ololtua of UDA.
ODM’s decision to establish a branch office and organise a major rally in the constituency therefore signals an attempt to deepen its organisational footprint in the region.
