Migori County took center stage in national politics as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rolled out its “Linda Ground” tour, with leaders rallying residents to embrace peaceful campaigns amid heightened political activity in the region.
The rally, held in Migori town, was led by ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga and Party Chairperson Gladys Wanga, alongside Interim Secretary General Catherine Omanyo. They were joined by Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, Senators Ledama Ole Kina (Narok) and Eddy Okech (Migori), as well as MPs Walter Owino (Awendo), Peter Masara (Suna West), Junet Mohamed (Suna East), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Fatuma Mohamed (Migori Woman Representative), and Boyd Were (Kasipul), among other leaders.
Call for Peace Amid Political Tensions
With political temperatures rising across Migori ahead of the 2027 General Election, Awendo MP Walter Owino urged aspirants and their supporters to exercise restraint and uphold peace.
“Migori has always been politically vibrant, but we must not allow competition to turn into chaos. Let us campaign peacefully and respect one another. Development cannot thrive where there is tension and division,” Owino said.
He emphasized that leaders must prioritize service delivery over early campaign rhetoric, adding that the focus should remain on improving livelihoods across the county.
Accountability Ahead of 2027
Suna West MP Peter Masara called for unity within ODM, warning that internal wrangles could weaken the party’s grassroots strength in its traditional stronghold.
“We must consolidate our base here in Migori. This is ODM’s bedrock, and unity is not optional. If we stand divided, we risk losing the very ground we are trying to defend,” Masara said.
In a pointed message to aspirants positioning themselves for 2027, Migori gubernatorial aspirant and Uriri legislator Mark Nyamita maintained that leadership must be earned through a proven track record.
Come 2027, leaders without a track record of service should be sent home. Our people deserve results, not empty promises. Accountability must be the standard,” Nyamita stated.
Consolidating Power Through Unity
Governor Ochillo Ayacko described Migori as the heartbeat of ODM politics and called for disciplined engagement within the broad-based political framework. He invoked the legacy of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Raila Odinga, saying strategic alliances have historically strengthened the community’s political influence.
Party Leader Oburu Odinga reiterated that ODM must remain firm within the broad-based arrangement to negotiate for greater representation and development opportunities.
“We must galvanize our supporters, enlist as voters, and chart a clear political path. Some are panicking, but we are just beginning structured negotiations that will benefit our people,” he said.
Gladys Wanga and Catherine Omanyo both stressed party discipline and loyalty, urging members to guard ODM against internal discord while advancing a development-focused agenda.
The Road Ahead
The Migori leg of the “Linda Ground” tour underscored ODM’s strategy to solidify its grassroots base while positioning itself for future negotiations and electoral contests.
As political campaigns gradually gather momentum in Migori County, leaders insisted that peace, unity, and performance-based leadership must define the region’s political journey toward 2027.
About the Author
