NYAKACH, Kisumu -The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has committed to a raft of far-reaching reforms, including amending its constitution to formally recognise Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) as a distinct organ within the party.
The resolution was announced on Saturday during a consultative meeting in Nyakach Sub-County, attended by top decision making organs, MCAs, and County Assembly Speakers from the Nyanza region.
National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, who is also the Homa Bay Governor, declared that the party would hold a mega rally in Kisumu county within two weeks to reaffirm the lakeside city as an ODM stronghold.
“In two weeks’ time we will hold a mega rally in Kisumu county to stamp out authority and tell everyone that the lakeside city is an ODM stronghold,” Wanga said.
She further urged MCAs from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori to remain steadfast in defending the party’s bases.
“Defending our bases and strongholds remains our key priority, and I want to urge our MCAs to remain steadfast in this journey,” she added.
The meeting, chaired by party leader Dr Oburu Oginga, also addressed growing concerns over indiscipline and public feuding among regional leaders.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi, the immediate former ODM chairperson, warned that continued bickering in Nyanza would destabilise the party and create openings for rivals.
“Continuous bickering among leaders in Nyanza region will destabilise ODM and allow other parties to penetrate into our strongholds,” CS Mbadi cautioned.
Drawing parallels with Kenya’s opposition history, Mbadi dismissed recent dissent by some senior party figures.
“What Orengo and team are doing is not new to us. The likes of Orengo and Sifuna are just a replica of Matiba and Shikuku, who betrayed Jaramogi at the advent of opposition politics in 1992,” he said.
Mbadi reaffirmed that the Luo community is fully behind President William Ruto’s re-election bid, as ODM prepares to open negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance from a position of strength.
The party leadership vowed to strengthen grassroots structures, empower polling station and ward officials, and ensure that MCAs are meaningfully involved in all party programmes and planning.
A constitutional review process is expected to commence immediately.
ODM also plans to hold key meetings with aspirants for various positions after the close of applications for expression of interest at the end of June 2026, with a promise of free, fair, and credible nominations.
