ODM leaders receive heroic reception en route to Kibera rally
By Luke Oluoch, January 14, 2026The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party members have been treated to a heroic welcome as they made their way to Kamukunji Grounds in Kibera on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, for the party consultative forum with the Nairobi residents.
Party faithful thronged the streets, clad in party regalia and caps, to welcome the procession led by Oburu Oginga as it crisscrossed its way to the Kamukunji Grounds.
The locals braved the scorching heat to keep peace with the leaders’ procession to the venue, singing songs of praise of the party and the late Raila Odinga.
Oburu was accompanied by Chairperson Gladys Wanga and party deputy leaders Simba Arati and Abdullswamad Nassir.
Members of Parliament Rosa Buyu (Kisumu West), Boyd Were (Kasipul), Peter Orero (Kibra), Felix Odiwuor (Langata), Nairobi ODM Leader, George Aladwa (Makadara) and the late Raila Odinga’s adopted son, Salah Oketch, also formed part of the contingent that made its way to the venue atop vehicles amid cheers from party supporters.
The public forum marked ODM’s first meeting at the iconic Kamukunji Grounds, which hosted most of the late Raila Odinga’s major political events and served as a key venue for opposition politics throughout his long struggle and was fondly referred to as his political bedroom.
Western governors endorse ODM’s party talks
The event comes as Wanga and Oburu also engaged party members in a similar function in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, as part of a wider outreach effort of the new leader, who took over the leadership role from his brother, the late Raila Odinga.
The meeting comes after four governors from the western region endorsed the party’s decision to initiate structured negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over a possible coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.
Led by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa on Wednesday, January 14, 2025, the four governors also showed their support for President William Ruto’s reelection bid, citing the need for political stability and sustained development across the country.
Consolidating support
“We support the decision of the CEC committee. We want to consolidate our people so that in 2027 we can have all leaders in elective positions, from Member of County Assemblies (MCAs) to the president elected on the ODM-UDA coalition,” Barasa stated.
Barasa was accompanied by his counterparts from Vihiga, Wilbur Otichillo; Kenneth Lusaka of Bungoma; and Paul Otuoma of Busia.
The decision arrived at by the Central Management Committee on Monday, January 10, 2025, followed extensive internal discussions, including the review of the ten-point agenda and the differences within the ODM party, among other pressing issues of importance.