ODM top officials on Monday hosted a delegates conference involving branches from the North Rift region.
Party leader Oburu Oginga, Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Homa Bay’s Gladys Wanga were among those who attended the meeting at the Peter Crest Academy.
The ODM leaders paid a courtesy call on Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii at his office before they proceeded for the delegates' meeting.
“We are here to meet our members after the death of our leader who was also my brother and close friend [Raila Odinga],” Oburu said.
He affirmed that the party would remain in the broad-based government—as Raila left it—and would maintain the working relationship with President William Ruto.
“ODM is not a party to quit and we will continue to work with President Ruto and the government,” Oburu said.
He urged supporters and residents to register as voters in large numbers ahead of the next general elections.
“Let's not just shout about ODM yet we are not registered as voters. Please, my call is that let's all ensure we are voters.”
Wanga said the party—the largest political movement in the region—remained strong and would continue to work within the broad-based government in order to unite all Kenyans.
“We will not be like those others whose work is to preach disunity and tribalism at all times,” Wanga said.
Also, the national chairperson, Wanga, said the party was united under Oburu.
ODM deputy party leader Arati said they were in the region to meet over 1,500 party delegates as part of measures to strengthen ODM.
They had also been in Elgeyo Marakwet County to meet party supporters and residents, in a move to strengthen national unity.
Arati echoed the sentiments of the other leaders about ODM’s operations, saying the movement would remain guided by the principles held by the late Raila.
The Kisii governor, who coordinated the delegates' meeting, added that they would streamline the party's operations to respect views from all its leaders and members.
Arati said the party would continue to propagate peace ahead of the next elections.
“We have to strengthen our party and work with all Kenyans to ensure our country remains peaceful and united.”
