By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) held a leaders’ retreat in Mombasa on May 4, 2026, where Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga urged members to remain united and intensify voter registration efforts across the country.
In a statement delivered to the National Executive Council, governors, Members of Parliament, trustees, and other party officials, Dr. Oginga apologized for his absence, noting: “Though I may not be with you physically, I am with you in spirit and will closely follow the deliberations of this important meeting.”
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He expressed gratitude to members for their continued dedication, acknowledging the legacy of the late Right Honorable Raila Amollo Odinga.
“We acknowledge that our party leader, the late Raila Amollo Odinga — may his soul continue to rest in eternal peace — placed this party on the global map as one of the biggest and strongest political movements. It is therefore our duty to continue the great work that he began,” he said.
Dr. Oginga emphasized that ODM’s strength lies in numbers, calling for renewed energy in voter registration drives.
“The strength and position of our party can only be solidified if we have the numbers. Our strongholds’ registration is still low and we need to put more efforts,” he cautioned.
Drawing on biblical imagery, he likened ODM’s journey to the Israelites’ march to Canaan, stressing perseverance and continuity: “The journey to Canaan continues, and just as the Israelites pressed on after the passing of Moses, we too must not stop.”
The retreat, attended by top ODM leadership, focused on strategy, unity, and preparations for the upcoming General Election.
Dr. Oginga reaffirmed his commitment to guiding the party forward: “While I may never fully fill his shoes, I humbly accept this responsibility and commit myself to walking the talk.”
The Mombasa meeting is expected to shape ODM’s roadmap ahead of the primaries and national campaigns, with leaders tasked to strengthen grassroots engagement and maintain cohesion within the party.
