By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 25 May 2026 - The Orange Democratic Movement has quietly launched an aggressive political mobilisation campaign across Nyanza as the party races to consolidate its traditional stronghold ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In what insiders described as a high-level political strategy meeting, ODM on Monday convened aspirants from across the Nyanza region at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu in a move aimed at reorganising the party’s grassroots structures, calming emerging internal rivalries and preparing an early political offensive ahead of the next election cycle.
The meeting was spearheaded by defacto ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga and ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga as the party intensifies efforts to defend its political dominance amid rising Gen Z restlessness, quiet UDA inroads and growing succession tensions within Luo Nyanza.
Sources familiar with the closed-door deliberations said ODM leaders used the meeting to urge aspirants to stop premature infighting and instead focus on strengthening the party’s grassroots network across villages, wards and constituencies before the 2027 campaigns fully explode.
The gathering reportedly brought together aspiring governors, senators, MPs, and aspirants MCAs from Kisumu, Migori, Siaya and Homa Bay in what political observers now see as the beginning of ODM’s early regional political reorganisation.
Speaking ahead of the strategy session, Oburu warned party aspirants against complacency, insisting ODM could no longer rely solely on historical loyalty and emotional political identity to retain support in Nyanza.
“The political environment is changing very fast. We must go back to the grassroots, organise our structures and reconnect with the people,” Oburu said before the meeting.
According to insiders, the veteran ODM leader urged aspirants to begin early mobilisation in churches, youth groups, women associations and village networks while avoiding divisive politics capable of weakening the party internally.
“ODM remains strong because of its grassroots foundation. That foundation must now be rebuilt and strengthened even further,” Oburu reportedly said.
The meeting comes at a time when ODM is increasingly facing pressure from changing political dynamics across western Kenya.
Although the party still commands overwhelming support across much of Nyanza, growing economic frustrations among young voters, internal succession battles and the emergence of new political alignments have triggered concern within sections of the party leadership.
ODM strategists now appear keen on reorganising the party machinery early enough to prevent fragmentation ahead of what could become one of the most competitive elections in the region since the advent of devolution.
Y
At the centre of the mobilisation strategy is also a major political rally planned for Kisumu in the coming months.
Party insiders say ODM leaders are currently “organising troops” ahead of the anticipated gathering which is expected to showcase the party’s regional strength, re-energise supporters and reaffirm ODM’s grip on Nyanza amid shifting national political alliances.
The rally is also expected to test the strength of ODM’s new political messaging following its cooperation arrangement with President William Ruto under the broad-based political framework that has generated mixed reactions within the party’s traditional support base.
More from Kenya
While addressing aspirants during the Kisumu meeting, Wanga reportedly urged party members to remain united and disciplined as ODM navigates a delicate political transition period.
“We cannot afford divisions at a time when the party is reorganising and preparing for the future,” Wanga told the gathering.
The Homa Bay governor is said to have challenged aspirants to prioritise issue-based mobilisation focusing on jobs, youth empowerment, development and economic opportunities rather than personality clashes and destructive competition.
Her remarks reflected ODM’s growing awareness that the political mood among younger voters is rapidly evolving.
Across Kisumu, Migori and Siaya, many Gen Z voters are increasingly demanding accountability, economic inclusion and practical development solutions rather than traditional political rhetoric.
That shifting political environment has forced ODM to rethink its grassroots strategy.
Political analysts say the Grand Royal Swiss meeting signals the beginning of a broader attempt by the party to modernise its mobilisation machinery while simultaneously containing internal tensions emerging ahead of the Raila Odinga succession era.
Already, several high-profile contests are taking shape across Nyanza including the looming Kisumu gubernatorial succession battle and multiple parliamentary rivalries quietly brewing beneath ODM’s public image of unity.
Party insiders admit there are growing fears that uncontrolled internal competition could weaken ODM’s traditional dominance if not managed early enough.
It is against that backdrop that Oburu and Wanga now appear determined to restore discipline, revive grassroots structures and project ODM as an organised political force long before rival parties fully penetrate the region.
For now, ODM still remains the dominant political machine across Nyanza.
But behind the scenes, the party leadership clearly understands that the road to 2027 may require far more than historical loyalty.
It may demand the rebuilding of the entire grassroots political machinery that once made ODM nearly untouchable in its traditional stronghold.
Ad
Ad
More from Kenya
Former CJ David Maraga Accuses State of Disrespecting Court Orders
May 25, 2026
Politics
Read more →
Orengo Tests Political Waters Solo Amid 2027 Presidential Ambitions
May 23, 2026
Politics
Read more →
Jubilee Hits out at Hassan Omar over Alleged Disrespectful Remarks on Uhuru Kenyatta
May 23, 2026
Politics
Read more →