Siaya Governor James Orengo has claimed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rally at Kirembe Grounds in Kisumu lacked organic local support.

The self-declared acting party leader of the Orange Party claimed that many attendees were ferried in from outside the region.

Speaking on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at AIC Kyanda Church ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally in Machakos, Orengo cast doubt on the authenticity of the crowd that attended the high-profile gathering dubbed Wabiro, suggesting it was largely mobilised through organised transport logistics.

Orengo questioned the spontaneity of attendance at the Kisumu rally, arguing that the turnout did not reflect genuine grassroots mobilisation within the city.

“Today if you go to Kisumu, the people of Kisumu are not in that rally. They have transported people in buses from all over, to Kisumu,” Orengo said.

He further claimed that the presence of large crowds should not be mistaken for strong local political support, arguing that logistical mobilisation had replaced organic participation.

Wantam politics

Orengo also appeared to suggest that Kisumu’s political loyalty should not be overstated based on turnout at public rallies.

According to him, he has traversed the Nyanza region and found out that the people of Kisumu were all supporting ‘Wantam’, a political slogan used by the opposition to campaign against President William Ruto’s re-election.

“People in Kisumu are one term,” he said.

Sifuna’s take on ODM Kisumu rally

In a follow-up statement at the same venue, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna appeared to reinforce Orengo’s sentiments, also claiming that large numbers of attendees were ferried to the rally using organised transport.

He went further to suggest that, if reports of a Ksh200 million rally budget linked to ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga were accurate, then attendees should be compensated significantly for their participation.

“Nataka niwaambie wale mko Kisumu. Oburu alisema budget alipewa Ksh200 million,” Sifuna said.

“Ukichukua pesa chini ya elfu kumi ujue wamekugonga. Wale ambao walipandishwa malori na mabasi kwenda ule mkutano, muambie Oburu bei ni elfu kumi. Wapewe kila mmoja.”

His remarks suggested that participants at the rally could have demanded at least Ksh10,000 each if mobilisation funds were distributed directly.

ODM Kisumu rally

Thousands of ODM supporters flooded major roads in Kisumu on Sunday, May 31, 2026, as top party leaders embarked on a massive roadshow ahead of the highly anticipated rally at Kirembe Grounds.

The procession began at the Mowlem area in Nyamasaria, where enthusiastic supporters gathered early in the morning to welcome the leaders before accompanying them through the city.

The convoy snaked its way through the bustling streets, attracting large crowds who waved ODM flags, chanted party slogans and sang songs in support of the party and its leadership ahead of the rally.

Leading the entourage was ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga alongside ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda and Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, among other leaders.