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ODM bigwigs converge in Kisumu to decide future of Ruto pact
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga and party chairperson Gladys Wanga during the party aspirants' consultative meeting in Kisumu on May 25, 2026.
Top ODM leaders will on Sunday lead a rally expected to culminate in a 2027 political declaration, which party officials have likened to the 2002 gathering when the Luo Nyanza region endorsed Mwai Kibaki for the presidency.
The meeting, to be held in Kisumu, has been framed as one of the most consequential political gatherings for the community in the post-Raila Odinga era.
Odinga died in October 2025, leaving the community, which formed the backbone of his support base, in a state of political uncertainty characterised by succession battles and a split within the Orange party.
This has in recent months led to the emergence of the Linda Ground faction led by party leader Oburu Oginga and the Linda Mwananchi faction fronted by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Edwin Sifuna speaking to Linda Mwananchi Rally at Amalemba grounds in Kakamega on February 21, 2026.
Top party officials led by Dr Oginga, Cabinet Secretaries and senior government officials from the region are expected to present what they consider viable political options ahead of the 2027 General Election. All indications are that the gathering will provide a platform for the party to rally the community behind President William Ruto's bid for a second term.
Unity within the community is seen as critical in giving the party the momentum it needs ahead of the 2027 polls. During a recently concluded three-day retreat in Mombasa, the region was roundly accused of fuelling the current political turmoil within ODM.
Dr Oginga, co-deputy party leaders Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Nassir, and national chairperson Gladys Wanga are among the top party leaders expected to attend the event. Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi (Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy) and Hassan Joho (Mining) are also expected.
Push for a united position
Although the meeting will draw the party's national leadership, its primary objective is to ensure the region adopts a common position on the party's future direction. Concerted efforts are being made to secure a firm declaration of support for the working arrangement between ODM and President Ruto's UDA party.
The planned rally is already causing jitters among politicians who have drifted away from the region's dominant political outfit. Siaya Governor James Orengo is among the region's top leaders challenging the current ODM leadership.
He is part of the rival Linda Mwananchi faction, which opposes any deal to back President Ruto for a second term. The Orengo-Sifuna faction will be in Machakos on Sunday.
Dr Oginga set the tone last Friday when he declared that anyone who fails to attend the rally would not be considered part of the political path the community has chosen.
“On Sunday we must show our strength and our unity. We have not chased anyone, and anybody who doesn't come shall have chased himself from the community and the party,” said Dr Oginga.
ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga speaks to journalists at Nyanza Golf Club, Kisumu, on May 8, 2026.
He added: “I can't lead my people outside government, and that is why we are fighting to be in government in 2027.”
Rallying behind Ruto
During the ODM Nyanza Region Aspirants' Forum in Kisumu on Monday, various speakers described the rally as crucial, saying it would provide the political direction the community needs.
According to Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, the community will emerge from the meeting united and focused on mobilising support for President William Ruto.
“Everyone is invited to the Kisumu rally because, as a community, we shall issue the political direction we will follow in 2027. This community has always been united, and we can't afford to be divided now that Raila is not there,” said Dr Oron.
According to Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, the Luo community is now seeking not only to be associated with government in 2027 but to be fully part of it.
“We will convene here in Kisumu and pronounce ourselves one party and one people. It is our unity that has made the community respected, such that whenever anything is happening in the country, we have to be consulted,” said Mr Atandi, who is also chairperson of the National Assembly's Budget and Appropriations Committee.
The MP said even those who have been fighting Dr Oginga are welcome at the meeting to help the community chart a united path.
“We urge those who have drifted away to come back and join the community in charting a united front,” said Mr Atandi.
He added that the next focus would be voter registration, increasing party membership and beginning preparations for free and fair party nominations.
Dissenting voices
Treasury CS John Mbadi said those dividing the community must now be called to order, adding that the community is already positioning itself for 2032.
“We have to remain united because we are the bedrock of this party. Those undermining Oburu are undermining the party, and that is why we have to chart a united path,” said Mr Mbadi.
Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang' added: “We are going to storm Kisumu on May 31, and we are going to know who is with us and who is not with us.”
ODM politicians at the grassroots, branch and county levels have already put in place logistical plans to ensure that as many people as possible attend the meeting.
Mr Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are among politicians from the region who have differed with the Oburu-led faction.
Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has consistently struck a reconciliatory tone towards both camps, and many will be watching closely to see whether he finally takes a stand and joins the Dr Oginga camp or remains non-committal on the region's politics.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.
In every election in which he vied for the presidency, Raila Odinga would often hold a major rally in Kisumu close to election day or whenever he wanted to stamp his authority.
