By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, December 21 2025 - The Orange Democratic Movement used a moment of mourning to reinforce political unity and signal continuity, as party leaders led by Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi visited the family of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, presenting cows and paying emotional tributes.
Beyond condolence, the visit carried political symbolism at a time when ODM is keen to reassure its support base. The act of presenting livestock, a culturally significant gesture in many Kenyan communities, underscored both respect for tradition and solidarity with the bereaved family.
“We have come not just to mourn, but to stand together as one ODM family, united and strong,” Wanga said, emphasizing cohesion and stability within the party. Osotsi echoed the message, stating that “even in loss, ODM remains intact and focused on serving the people.” Their remarks were framed as reassurance amid shifting political alliances and heightened competition for influence in Western Kenya.
After the family visit, the leaders took to the streets of Vihiga, directly engaging residents and urging them to remain steadfast in their support for ODM. The engagement blended condolence with outreach, reflecting a long-standing ODM approach of maintaining close contact with grassroots supporters during moments of national or regional significance.
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Wanga reaffirmed the party’s commitment to Western Kenya, telling supporters that the movement would carry forward the legacy of Raila Odinga, whom she described as the ideological anchor of the party. The message sought to link past leadership with present stewardship, reinforcing continuity rather than transition.
Osotsi framed loyalty as both political and historical, arguing that ODM’s strength lay in unity and consistency. The outreach reflected a deliberate strategy to blend empathy, reassurance, and mobilization, positioning ODM as stable, united, and firmly rooted in its traditional support bases.
