Siaya ODM governor candidate James Orengo has adopted a door-to-door campaign strategy as the clock ticks towards August 9.
He is now knocking on doors to ensure the votes tilt in his favour in a county considered an ODM zone.
In his campaign meetings, the senator's key message has been fixed on asking Siaya to show direction to the rest of Nyanza counties.
He is also asking residents to overwhelmingly vote for Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
"Your son is on the ballot, seeking the top seat in the land and all eyes are on you. You must lead the pack by coming out in huge numbers on August 9 and vote," Orengo told a meeting at Kasagoma village in Ndori, Gem constituency, last week.
Orengo, whose main challenger in the gubernatorial contest is former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo, has in place a campaign secretariat that has representation in all the villages of the six constituencies in Siaya county.
The village and ward representatives are coordinated at the subcounty levels by the six MPs, all of whom are supporting Orengo's bid.
Billed as the most organised and coordinated campaign team crafted by the senator in his entire political life, it is built to ensure he has a 24-hour presence among the electorate throughout the county.
Apart from seasoned political figures from the county, Orengo's team has brought on board notable professionals, influential businesspeople, elders and opinion leaders, clergy, women and youth representatives to ensure no group is left out.
Occasionally, the senator addresses political rallies and meetings, but the focus has shifted to village-centered campaigns that ensure he has a one-on-one interaction and engagement with voters at the grassroots level.
Before engaging a group, his village representatives first visit the community to seek information that highlights issues of concern.
An insider told the Star on Tuesday that the approach has been used by the senator to put together a manifesto that will be launched on Monday.
Several top ODM and Azimio leaders have been invited to grace the event.
Orengo has also been keen in uniting various political groupings that emerged ahead of the party nominations on April 13.
He has reached out to those who lost ODM nominations in various seats to team up with him and help convince voters to back his bid.
Gem constituency is now warming up to Orengo's camp.
Gem fell to Gumbo in the last election after Jakoyo Midiwo left ODM and contested against Elisha Odhiambo as an independent candidate. Jakoyo teamed up with Gumbo, whose camp reaped the most votes from Gem against ODM in 2017.
To counter his wave in Gem, Orengo chose to woo Jalang'o Midiwo, who controversially lost ODM ticket to Odhiambo.
A week ago, after a series of behind-the-scenes meetings in Gem and Kisumu, Jalang'o hosted Orengo and his running mate William Oduol for lunch at his home in West Gem ward.
Jalang'o and his campaign secretariat declared support for Orengo and pledged to campaign for him in Gem.
"We have put all the differences arising from the protracted ODM primaries behind us. My team will now visit every corner of Gem constituency to look for votes to ensure Orengo becomes the next Siaya governor," Jalang'o said when Orengo visited his home.
With the full backing of Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga and six MPs and incumbent MCAs from the county, Orengo has a head start. He also has the support of Governor Cornel Rasanga and county assembly speaker George Okode, who is among the political advisers in his camp.
A good number of people who campaigned for Rasanga in 2013 and 2017, some of whom are serving in his administration, are now working with Orengo.
Two weeks ago Rasanga sought to set the record straight during a radio talk show with Mayienga FM when he declared unwavering support for Orengo and all the other ODM candidates.
"I am a product of ODM six-piece voting pattern. I'm a staunch supporter of the party and there should be no debate as to who I support in this election," Rasanga said.
Although Orengo's camp has made huge gains following Raila's endorsement during his recent tour of Nyanza counties, Siaya included, his challenger isn't letting go.
Gumbo, who is seeking the seat on the UDM ticket, is optimistic he can beat Orengo.
He has continued to drum up support for his bid. His camp suffered a jolt when former police spokesman Charles Owino, who was his running mate, pulled out of the race.
Owino was expected to galvanise support for Gumbo in Ugenya and Alego Usonga constituencies where he has roots.
Gumbo replaced Owino with David Ohito, who also hails from Ugenya.
Edited by A.N
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