'We're in broad-based Gov't to stay': ODM leaders rally for unity at Raila Odinga memorial in Homa Bay

The push for ODM unity dominated the late Raila Odinga's memorial service in Homa Bay County on Wednesday, an event organised by the orange party to remember its leader.

Acting party leader Oburu Oginga and National Chairperson Gladys Wanga rallied the lakeside region to fully back the party and uphold the broad-based wishes left by Odinga before his demise.

Songs and dances dominated the Raila Odinga Stadium as ODM supporters turned up to remember the former premier, who led a party that weathered many political storms.

The stability of the orange party and its numerical strength ahead of the 2027 General Election was a key issue here, with Oburu moving to rally supporters to register as voters and boost the party's numbers at the ballot.

“I am urging my people, last time we did not register as voters. This time, even Gen Zs and my agemates, Gen Xs, please register as voters so that we get numbers,” he said.

The question on which way ODM, particularly its stand on the broad-based government arrangement with President William Ruto’s UDA, was also in focus.

“We are in broad-based to stay because that is where Raila Odinga left us. In 2027 we are either the government or in the coalition that forms government,” said Governor Wanga.

“Those who want us to leave broad-based wanataka kutupoteza,” said Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko.

“Wale wanasema ati tutatoka broad-based hiyo wanaota ndoto ya mchana,” said Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.

ODM deputy party leader Simba Arati led Raila’s memorial in Nakuru County, expressing support for the broad-based government until 2027.

“Hiyo broad-based tutakuwa mpaka 2027, kutoka hapo kila mtu atajipanga,” said the Kisii Governor.

He added that the broad-based government arrangement must respect the 10-point agenda that was set out and that any lack of it will water down the arrangement with UDA.

“Tulisema hatutaki kuona ufisadi, hatutaki vijana kuuwawa ovyo ovyo, na ikiendelea basi hiyo sii broad-based,” said Arati.