Kisii Governor Simba Arati has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) remains strong as the party intensifies its grassroots mobilisation, announcing plans to take its campaign to Turkana County on Friday.
Arati, who serves as ODM Deputy Party Leader, shared a photo with party leader Oburu Oginga and urged members and supporters to receive greetings from the Siaya Senator as the party prepares for its engagement in the northern county.
“Receive warm greetings from DPL Simba N’etaya and the Pawaa-man himself, PL Dr Oburu Oginga!” Arati said.
“Inshallah, kesho tukutane Turkana county kama Chama Kubwa!”
The planned visit is part of ODM’s efforts to expand its grassroots presence beyond its traditional strongholds as political alignments begin taking shape ahead of the 2027 general election.
The party’s mobilisation drive comes amid shifting alliances and growing competition among political formations seeking to consolidate support across the country.
However, Oburu is not expected to travel to Turkana as he continues to recover at home following his discharge from hospital on October 19.
The ODM leader’s recent hospitalisation attracted public attention and sparked speculation about his health, particularly ahead of events marking the first anniversary of the death of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Oburu was last seen in public on October 15, when photographs of him celebrating his 83rd birthday in hospital circulated. The date coincided with the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
His hospital stay prompted questions on social media about his condition, with the senator previously dismissing reports that he was seriously ill following an earlier hospital visit in Nairobi, which he described as a routine medical check-up.
At the time, Oburu said he was resting at his Nairobi residence and rejected claims circulating online about the severity of his condition and alleged restrictions on visitors.
He also pledged to communicate openly with the public should his health deteriorate.
Arati’s message signals ODM’s intention to maintain its mobilisation activities despite the party leader’s absence from the planned Turkana engagement, with local leaders expected to play a role in advancing the party’s grassroots outreach.