The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leadership, allied to party leader Oburu Oginga, has stepped up an intense mobilisation exercise for support ahead of the planned rally scheduled at Kirembe grounds in Kisumu.

The rally comes a month after the ODM faction allied to Linda Mwanainchi movement brought Kisumu to a standstill after holding a similar rally.

Speaking during a meeting with ODM delegates and party officials from Kisumu Central at Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron said the gathering was part of a wider series of political activation meetings being conducted across Luo Nyanza in preparation for what he described as the “mother of all rallies.”

The meeting brought together elected and nominated Members of County Assembly (MCAs), party officials, aspirants eyeing various positions in the 2027 General Election, and grassroots mobilisers.

“We are here with only one reason to unite as a party, unite as a community, and plan for the mother of all rallies coming up on May 31st in Kirembe for the biggest party in East and Central Africa called ODM,” said Oron.

According to the MP, the mobilisation efforts began weeks ago and have included meetings in various parts of the region, among them Nyakach and Uriri, as ODM leaders seek to strengthen party structures and consolidate support at the grassroots level.

Oron said recent regional meetings had attracted senior ODM officials, including party chairperson Gladys Wanga and party leader Oburu Oginga, alongside delegates from across Luo Nyanza.

He noted that similar activation meetings are planned in Kisumu East, Kisumu West, Seme and Muhoroni in the days leading to the Kirembe rally.

Upcoming ODM rally

The Kisumu Central MP framed the upcoming gathering as both a political mobilisation exercise and a platform for reinforcing unity within the community amid shifting political dynamics nationally.

“We invite everyone who believes that Luos should remain united and those who believe in working together as a party and as a community to attend,” he said.

Oron also announced a series of targeted engagements with boda boda operators and youth groups across Kisumu County, saying the meetings would focus on peace, party organisation and community cohesion.

On Friday, May 22, 2026, ODM leaders are expected to meet thousands of boda boda riders from Kisumu Central and other parts of the county, while another youth-focused meeting is scheduled for Saturday.

The MP dismissed fears that the large-scale political activities could trigger insecurity, insisting Kisumu remains peaceful despite heightened political activity.

“One of the reasons why we are meeting the youth and boda boda operators is to preach peace and organise properly. Kisumu is peaceful and people should feel free to attend and leave peacefully,” he said.

The May 31 rally in Kirembe is expected to attract ODM supporters and leaders from across the country, including senior party officials from Nairobi and delegates from various counties.