Raila expected in Kisumu to spearhead ODM membership drive

ODM leader Raila Odinga is expected in Kisumu today to spearhead the party membership drive within the lakeside city.

This is aimed at rejuvenating and re-energising the party.

The drive will be launched at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga sports complex within the town.

Raila had announced on November 10 that the party would embark on a nationwide recruitment in a bid to enhance ODM's image ahead of the 2027 polls.

He said the recruitment began in Siaya before spreading to other counties.

Already the party leader has launched the drive in Homa Bay and Migori.

The recruitment is expected to be concluded on March 24 with a culmination of party grassroots elections.

The decision to hold the grassroots polls was reached during the National Executive Committee meeting in November.

On Saturday,  Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o chaired a meeting that brought Kisumu ODM leaders together as they geared towards the launch of the drive.

Nyong'o said they want to make sure that Kisumu leads in the party registration drive.

"We have no any other choice but to occupy the first place in terms of membership. Let's strengthen our party and move forward together," he said.

He was accompanied by his Deputy Mathew Owili, MPs  Joshua Oron ( Kisumu Central), Aduma Owuor ( Nyakach), Rosa Buyu ( Kisumu West), Onyango Koyoo ( Muhoroni), James Nyikal ( Seme) and Ruth Odinga ( Women Rep) Elisha Oraro (Speaker) and a host of MCAs.

The leaders also urged residents to turn out in large numbers to welcome the party leader.