Kisumu must lead in ODM membership, says Nyong'o

By Peter Ochieng

Kisumu governor Peter Anyang' Nyong'o has urged residents to get registered as Orange Democtratic Movement (ODM) in large numbers, as the battle for numbers ahead of the 2027 polls starts taking shape.

Addressing the press at a Kisumu hotel after an ODM delegates and leaders meeting drawn from all the 35 wards and 7 constituencies, Nyong'o said the Lakeside County must lead in membership.

"We want to make sure that Kisumu leads in party registration. We have no otherwise than to occupy the first position in terms of party membership," said Nyong'o.

He said the Orange party's ongoing membership drive in various parts of the country is aimed at ensuring that ODM captures state power, or has bargaining power incase of power sharing in a coalition setting.

"And we can only capture state power with the people with us; voting for us, campaigning for us all over the republic of Kenya," he added.

The second term county boss was flanked by among others, Kisumu County ODM chairman Paul Otieno Akeyo, James Nyikal (Seme MP), Rosah Akinyi Buyu (Kisumu West MP), Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), deputy governor Mathew Ochieng Owili and Ruth Odinga, Kisumu County Women Representative.

ODM leader Raila Odinga is expected to launch the membership drive in Kisumu County on Monday.

The chairman urged Kisumu residents to attend the event in large numbers at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports ground.

"The party leader will be here on Monday. Let us come out in large numbers and show him our love," said Akeyo.

According to the 2019 population census, Kisumu County has a population of 1,155,574 people, a bulk of whom support the ODM party and its leader, Raila Odinga.

Its among the Nyanza ccounties, alongside Siaya, Homabay and Migori that Odinga enjoys near fanatical support.