The atmosphere was electric, with chants, songs, and party colors filling the air.
Taking to the podium, Orengo delivered a message that immediately stirred strong emotions among those in attendance.
In Kiswahili, he declared, “Kifo ya Raila Odinga wameua Raila Odinga, sasa wanataka kuua chama cha Raila.”
His words suggested that after Raila’s death, there is now a deliberate effort to weaken or destroy the party he led for more than two decades.
The statement was met with loud ululations and chants of solidarity. Many supporters waved their hands and shouted in agreement, showing both grief and defiance.
For a moment, the rally paused as the crowd reacted passionately to his remarks.
Orengo described Raila as more than just a political leader. He referred to him as a symbol of resistance and a champion of democracy whose influence shaped the country’s political landscape for years.
According to the governor, ODM carries Raila’s vision, and that is why, in his view, it is now under pressure.
Without naming specific individuals or institutions, Orengo suggested that there are ongoing efforts to destabilize the party from within and outside.
He warned members to be cautious and not to fall into divisions that could weaken the movement.
“They believe that once the leader is gone, the party can easily collapse,” he implied, urging supporters to prove that assumption wrong.
The governor called on ODM members to remain united and to protect what he described as Raila’s political legacy.
He emphasized that the strength of the party lies in its grassroots supporters, not just in one individual.
The rally itself was a show of numbers and energy. Thousands gathered at Amalemba Grounds to listen to leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Songs praising party figures played through loudspeakers, and supporters stood patiently under the sun to hear the speeches.