Raila Leads ODM Recruitment Drive in Kisii

Kisii ,

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

KNA by Mercy Osongo

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga together with other political leaders from Gusii region embarked on a recruitment drive in Kisii county to strengthen the party at the grassroots. 

The exercise is part of the party's plan to recruit new members countrywide ahead of their grassroots elections in March 2024 and subsequently, the 2027 elections. 

Speaking at the venue in Nyamache stadium in Nyamache Sub County on Tuesday, Mr. Odinga said they were majorly targeting the young people in the recruitment drive. 

 “The youth are the anchors of the party and we want them to register as party members so that we can work towards leading the nation,” he noted. 

The party leader urged the government to issue free identity cards to the youth who have attained 18 years of age to enable them to register as voters.

Mr. Odinga also drummed up support for Kisii Governor, Simba Arati who was elected on an ODM ticket saying he is capable of transforming the lives of the residents of Kisii.

 In the recent party changes, Arati was named the Deputy Chairperson of ODM's National Executive Committee (NEC), replacing former Kisii Woman Representative Janet Ong'era who defected to UDA.

 This appointment was seen as a way of retaining the support of Kisii county after former Kisii Governor, James Ongwae who was a key ally to the party resigned and joined the ruling Kenya Kwanza camp. 

 Mr. Odinga castigated the defectors of the party saying that working with the ruling camp would not translate to development in their regions.

 He added the move by the politicians was selfish and they were acting in their own self-interests. 

Other leaders present at the function included Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga and ODM Members of Parliament (MPs) among others. 

 Kisii County is ranked 5th out of the 47 counties in terms of members who are registered with the ODM party. 

Nyaribari Masaba, Nyaribari Chache and Bonchari Constituencies are the leading constituencies with 68 percent, 67 percent and 62 percent of registered ODM members respectively. 

ODM party's dominance in Gusii region is currently being challenged by the intensified popularity and recruitment of members by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Jubilee and United Progressive Alliance parties.

Courtesy; KNA