Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, who was recently installed as the new leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), is preparing to lead a major campaign in support of Harrison Kombe, the party’s candidate in the upcoming Magarini parliamentary by-election scheduled for November 27.
His team will include key ODM figures such as Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, who serves as the party’s Deputy Leader, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, the party’s Chairperson, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Their mission is to strengthen the party’s presence and ensure victory in the coastal constituency.
The ODM team has been on the move in recent days, having just concluded another campaign in Kasipul Kabondo. There, they rallied behind Boyd Were, the son of the late Ongondo Were, who is seeking to take over his father’s parliamentary seat.
During that event, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki surprised many by expressing support for Boyd Were, promising that the government would not field United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidates in areas dominated by ODM. He explained that this was part of the broad-based approach being promoted by the government to foster cooperation among political parties and maintain national unity.
However, the proposal for ODM to work alongside UDA has stirred internal disagreement within the party. Some ODM leaders believe such cooperation would weaken the party’s independence and confuse supporters.
Among those who have voiced opposition is Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, who insists that ODM should stand firm and run its campaigns under its own identity.
She said that as the party heads to Magarini, Malava, and other areas with upcoming mini polls, it must do so purely as ODM and not under the so-called broad-based coalition.
Ruth emphasized that the late Raila Odinga, whom she referred to as “Baba,” always reminded them that the party must stay strong and independent.
Her remarks were echoed by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who urged ODM members to remain focused and disciplined during the campaign period. He specifically cautioned campaigners against adopting the “two-term” slogan, which is commonly used by those supporting President William Ruto’s reelection efforts.
Sifuna reminded them that the upcoming by-elections are not about the presidency but about electing Members of Parliament and County Assembly representatives. He said the campaigns should concentrate on local leadership and development issues rather than presidential politics.
The campaigns led by Oburu Odinga and his team are expected to test the strength, strategy, and identity of ODM as it navigates a changing political landscape ahead of the by-election.
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