Kisumu Central Member of Parliament (MP), Joshua Oron, has called for peace and unity among ODM supporters as the party intensifies preparations for a major rally scheduled for May 31 at Kirembe Grounds in Kisumu.
Speaking during a meeting with ODM delegates from Kisumu Central on Thursday, Oron said the gathering was part of a wider countywide and regional push aimed at strengthening party cohesion and rallying supporters ahead of what leaders are billing as ODM’s mother of all rallies.
The MP said the meeting brought together ODM officials, elected and nominated MCAs, and aspiring leaders from Kisumu Central, all focused on consolidating support for the party and fostering unity within the Luo community.
“We are here with ODM party leaders, elected MCAs, nominated MCAs and aspirants who are seeking positions in 2027. The purpose is to unite the party, unite the community and prepare for the mother of all rallies coming up on May 31 at Kirembe grounds for the biggest party in East and Central Africa called ODM,” he said.
Oron said the May 31 rally would be the climax of a series of political engagements that have been taking place across the region over the past two weeks.
He cited recent meetings in Nyakach and Uriri attended by ODM leaders and delegates from across Luo Nyanza, adding that similar activities would continue in Kisumu East, Kisumu West, Seme and Muhoroni in the coming days.
“This is just one of many activities leading to May 31. The whole of this week and next week we are going to have activation meetings as we prepare for the rally,” he said.
The lawmaker said ODM leaders were deliberately engaging boda boda riders and youth groups to promote peaceful political participation ahead of the event.
He revealed that another meeting bringing together between 2,000 and 3,000 boda boda operators from across Kisumu County had been scheduled for Friday, followed by a youth forum on Saturday.
“One of the reasons we are meeting boda boda operators and youths is to preach peace, hold discussions and plan together,” he said.
Oron dismissed fears of possible insecurity during the rally, assuring attendees that Kisumu remains peaceful despite differing political opinions within the party.
“Kisumu is a very peaceful county. People should know they will come peacefully, attend peacefully and leave peacefully without any problem,” he said.
He described the May 31 rally as a national ODM event expected to attract supporters and leaders from across the country, including senior party officials from Nairobi.
“We expect people from all walks of life and from all counties within the country to attend,” he said.
The rally is expected to bring together ODM party leadership, regional delegates and senior officials as the party seeks to reinforce unity and consolidate its support base in the Nyanza region ahead of the 2027 political season.
By Chris Mahandara
