Thousands Flood Kisumu as ODM Stages Major Rally to Rebuild Grassroots Momentum

By Kepher Otieno - Reporter

Kenya, 31 May 2026 - Thousands of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supporters streamed into Kisumu's Kirembe Grounds for a major party rally that has brought together some of the party's most influential leaders in what analysts see as a renewed effort to consolidate the party's traditional support base.

By Saturday evening, large sections of Kisumu City were awash with orange colours as supporters arrived from across Nyanza and neighbouring regions for the gathering, which will be led by ODM defacto party leader Dr Oburu Oginga Odinga and party national chairperson Gladys Wanga.

The rally comes at a critical political moment for ODM as the party seeks to recalibrate its grassroots structures and redefine its place in Kenya's evolving political landscape following years of shifting alliances and changing electoral dynamics.

Preparations for the event have been spearheaded by the organising committee chaired by Migori Governor Dr Ochilo Ayacko, who spent days coordinating logistics and mobilising supporters to ensure the meeting proceeds according to plan.

"This is a gathering of the ODM family and an opportunity to strengthen the party from the grassroots upwards," Ayacko said ahead of the rally.

"The future of the movement depends on active participation by members and continued engagement with the people."

Several senior party MPs made repeated visits to Kirembe Grounds to inspect preparations. Among them were Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, Kisumu County Assembly Speaker Elisha Oraro, Seme MP Dr James Nyikal and Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu.

Their inspections underscored the significance ODM attaches to the event, which party insiders describe as one of the largest grassroots mobilisation exercises in the region in recent months.

Hundreds of supporters reportedly spent the night at the venue to secure vantage positions ahead of the rally. Entertainment was provided by celebrated Luo Benga musician Prince Indah, whose performances kept crowds energised as supporters waited for the arrival of party leaders.

Wanga had earlier urged party members and supporters to turn out in large numbers.

"ODM remains a people's movement. The strength of the party lies in its members and supporters. We want wananchi to come out and participate in shaping the next chapter of the party," she said.

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The influx of visitors created a business boom across Kisumu, with several hotels reporting high occupancy levels as delegates, politicians and supporters checked into accommodation facilities across the city.

Local traders, transport operators and hospitality businesses also benefited from the increased activity as the city transformed into a political hub ahead of the rally.

For ODM, the gathering carries significance beyond crowd numbers.

For nearly two decades, the party founded and nurtured by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dominated politics in Nyanza and played a central role in national opposition politics.

However, recent political realignments and the emergence of new political actors have compelled the party to reassess its grassroots structures and messaging.

Political observers view the Kisumu rally as part of a broader strategy to revitalise local networks, strengthen party cohesion and prepare supporters for future political contests.

Dr Oburu Odinga is expected to use the occasion to reaffirm the party's commitment to unity and grassroots mobilisation, while Wanga is likely to outline reforms aimed at strengthening ODM's organisational machinery.

Party officials say the sea of orange-clad supporters gathering in Kisumu will send a powerful message that ODM remains firmly rooted in its traditional stronghold even as it charts a new political course.