Orange Movement’s new campaign plan signals independent political posture as it rallies support across key constituencies
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced a major countrywide mobilisation drive to campaign for its candidates in the upcoming by-elections — a move that also underscores the party’s renewed spirit of independence outside the emerging “broad-based” cooperation politics with President William Ruto’s UDA Party.
The itinerary, posted an hour ago on the party’s official X page and signed by Dr. Oduor Ong’wen, ODM’s Director of Elections, outlines a packed programme of campaign activities across several constituencies where by-elections are scheduled or anticipated. It details a comprehensive plan of grassroots voter engagement, door-to-door mobilisation, public rallies, and local leader coordination, all aimed at rallying strong backing for ODM candidates.
Reclaiming the Campaign Ground
In the circular, Dr. Ong’wen directs regional teams to “deploy fully to the ground, consolidate support for ODM candidates, and ensure the Orange flag flies high in every contest.” The statement, while administrative in tone, carries political weight — suggesting ODM’s intent to chart its own course and reclaim its influence through direct engagement with voters.
Party insiders say the campaign is designed not just as a registration or popularisation exercise, but as a coordinated effort to win upcoming by-elections — in line with ODM’s long tradition of field-based politics.
“Our focus is on the people, on the ground, and on victory for our candidates,” Dr. Ong’wen said in the notice. “The message is clear: ODM is campaigning under its own colours, for its own candidates, with the people’s voice leading the charge.”
Independent but Determined
The timing of the announcement comes amid political speculation about ODM’s possible cooperation with the ruling UDA Party ahead of 2027. However, by launching a full-scale campaign on its own ticket, ODM appears determined to demonstrate its capacity for independent mobilisation and electoral competitiveness outside any alliance framework.
Observers say the move signals ODM’s attempt to re-energise its grassroots networks — particularly in Western, Nyanza, Coast and parts of Rift Valley, where the upcoming by-elections could serve as a litmus test for its organisational strength after Raila Odinga’s reduced day-to-day involvement in local politics.
Political analyst Herman Manyora said, “By taking the campaign directly to the grassroots, ODM is sending a clear message — that it is still a national movement capable of winning elections on its own strength.”
Focus on Field Victories
The itinerary lists specific timelines for constituency visits, coordination meetings, and campaign rallies, beginning this week and running through the election calendar period. Party teams are expected to work closely with local aspirants and county officials to consolidate ODM’s voter base and counter rivals from UDA and other emerging formations.
Insiders confirm that the Orange secretariat is prioritising candidate visibility, voter turnout strategies, and community-based issue messaging to reassert its connection with ordinary supporters — the kind of campaign machinery that once gave ODM its unmatched ground game.
Back to Basics, Back to the People
This latest move reinforces ODM’s historical identity as a grassroots people’s party, thriving on energy from rallies, village networks, and strong local leadership. Rather than waiting for coalition arithmetic, the Orange party is choosing to re-engage its supporters directly in the wards and constituencies where it matters most — the ballot.
As the by-elections near, ODM’s focus is unmistakable: to win, to rebuild, and to remind Kenya that the Orange flame still burns — bright and independent.
