By Elizabeth Angira
Kisii County is bracing for political fireworks as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) marks its 20th anniversary at Gusii Stadium, a region viewed as former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i’s political backyard. With ODM leaders keen to reassert the party’s dominance in Kisii, questions are already emerging on whether the celebrations could affect Matiang’i’s 2027 presidential ambitions.
Founders of the party are set to celebrate the milestone in Kisii, with top officials warning against any attempts to disrupt the event. The Nyanza regional celebration, which follows earlier ones in Busia and Wajir, will culminate in a national ceremony scheduled for Mombasa. The Kisii event has been framed as both a commemoration of ODM’s legacy and a reaffirmation of its dominance in the region.
During preparations, ODM’s Director of Elections and chairman of the celebration committee, Junet Mohamed, noted that Kisii County has consistently elected ODM governors since the onset of devolution. He stressed that the party intends to retain the seat in the coming General Election.
“Kisii County is an ODM government till another government is formed. We are celebrating our ODM government, and we are set to retain the seat,” said Mohamed.
He was accompanied by Kisii Governor Simba Arati, County Assembly Speaker Dr. Philip Nyanumba, Majority Leader Henry Moracha, ODM Nominated MP Irene Nyakerario Mayaka, and local party officials. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the preparations and confirmed that delegations from across the country were expected to attend.
Governor Arati, who also serves as ODM’s Deputy Party Leader, issued a stern warning to individuals plotting to disrupt the event. He emphasized that the anniversary celebration would remain peaceful and free of unnecessary political drama.
“There will be no room for hecklers during the celebration. Those who plan to cause disruptions should organize their meetings elsewhere, even at Nyanturago Stadium, but not here,” Arati warned.
He underlined that ODM has deep roots in Kisii County, assuring residents that preparations had been finalized to ensure a successful and peaceful commemoration ahead of the national event in Mombasa next month.
The celebration also comes at a politically significant moment, as former Prime Minister Raila Odinga recently hinted that ODM might front a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election. This has fueled discussions about the party’s succession politics and its strategy in regions traditionally loyal to ODM.
Arati’s caution to potential disruptors comes barely a week after he shared a platform with Matiang’i during a funds drive at Nyamache Main SDA Church. At the event, the governor expressed his willingness to work with President William Ruto to spur development in Kisii, stressing the importance of delivering services to residents regardless of political affiliations.
“The General Election is still far. My priority now is to defend my development record and ensure that my constituents benefit from the national government because they also pay taxes,” Arati stated.
His remarks reflected a balancing act between affirming ODM’s political dominance in Kisii while also keeping doors open for collaboration with the national government.
As ODM marks two decades since its formation, the Kisii celebration will not only highlight the party’s resilience but also test its ability to maintain unity and control in a county considered one of its strongholds and one that Matiang’i might need if his 2027 presidential bid gathers steam.
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Elizabeth Angira is a trailblazing climate journalist whose work bridges science, policy, and human impact. As Senior Climate Reporter at The Mount Kenya Times, she leads in-depth coverage on climate resilience, energy innovation, and sustainability across East Africa and beyond. Her storytelling has earned international acclaim, including a third-place win for “The Best Energy Story in Foreign Media” by the Global Energy Association in Moscow.
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