Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has called on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to step up efforts across the country and actively engage voters, saying it is time for the party to turn ambition into action.
Speaking during the ODM Special Delegates Convention at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi on Friday, March 27, 2026, Olekina urged leaders to focus on a unified strategy to consolidate the party’s political influence and secure future leadership positions.
“Leo nataka kuzungumzia wanachama wa ODM. Muda wa kucheza umekwisha; sasa ni lazima msunguke kote nchini na kuhakikisha kuwa madaraka mnayosema mnayotaka yametimizwa,” Olekina said. Loosely translated, he told members: “Today I want to speak to ODM members. The time for playing around is over; now you must mobilise across the entire country and ensure that the power you claim you want is secured.”
Olekina emphasised that claiming leadership requires more than words and that party leaders must personally visit all regions to build trust with voters. He also highlighted the importance of registering all eligible Kenyans, including those aged 17 and above, as part of efforts to strengthen ODM’s grassroots presence.
“Mimi ninawaambia hivi, watoto ambao wako shule wa miaka kumi na saba na nane wakuje chama tukule chungwa wote,” he said, encouraging youth participation and involvement in the party’s initiatives. He added that local mobilisation and education are essential to ensuring that supporters clearly understand ODM’s vision for leadership.
“Today, after this meeting, please go and have a meeting with them through the grassroots mobilisation for them to understand that the ODM party needs power,” Olekina told delegates.
The remarks came as Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga was officially ratified as the party leader following a decisive National Delegates Convention held the same day. ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga read out the resolution confirming the leadership appointment.
“The National Delegates convention hereby ratifies Senator Oburu Odinga as the national party leader of the Orange Democratic Party,” Wanga announced. After the ratification, Oburu received the instruments of power to lead the party.
Olekina’s call for nationwide mobilisation reinforces the message that ODM aims to strengthen its organisational base and prepare for future political contests under Oburu’s leadership, focusing on outreach, unity, and active engagement of supporters in all regions.
