On September 26, ODM chose Gusii Stadium to celebrate its 20th anniversary. It should have been a moment of pride — a recognition of loyalty, resilience, and sacrifice. Instead, it turned into a political circus that laid bare the growing rift between the Orange party and the very community that has stood by it for two decades: the Abagusii.
The signs of disconnect were clear. Many MPs and senators from the Kisii region skipped the event. Chairs flew during chaotic scenes. The crowd, far from electrified, looked uninspired and restless. What should have been a celebration became an embarrassment. And the message could not be clearer: ODM’s hold on Kisii is slipping.
Two Decades of Loyalty, Little to Show
For years, the Abagusii community has been among Raila Odinga’s most reliable supporters. Election after election, Kisii voters have turned out in large numbers to back him. They hoped that their loyalty would one day translate into meaningful development — better roads, better hospitals, jobs for their youth, and a voice at the national table.
Instead, what they have received are promises that fade after the election season, handshakes that serve elites more than the grassroots, and speeches that begin with riddles but end in disappointment. Twenty years later, our youth are still unemployed, our healthcare facilities remain underfunded, and our infrastructure lags behind.
ODM has had its chances. The Abagusii have been patient. But patience has limits.
A Party Stuck in the Past
The discontent is not about Raila’s presence in Kisii. It is about what he represents today: a leader who comes back time and again with nothing new to offer. ODM’s secretariat failed to read the mood of the people. You cannot ignore a community for five years and then expect applause because you set up a stage and play old tunes.
The truth is harsh but undeniable: Raila no longer speaks for the majority of Kenyans — and certainly not for Kisii. His style of leadership, once inspirational, now feels outdated, anchored in blame, drama, and recycled opposition theatrics. Raila has always appeared more comfortable protesting from outside than delivering from within. Every chance to work within government has ended in self-preservation rather than service to the people.
A Community Wide Awake
The Abagusii are no longer deceived by slogans or entertained by disco matangas. Respect must be mutual, not begged for. Our people have grown tired of being treated as voting machines while development bypasses our counties.
ODM must stop insulting our intelligence. The era of blind loyalty is over. Kisii deserves leaders who offer ideas, not nostalgia. Kenya deserves leaders who build, not recycle slogans.
Come the next election, the Abagusii vote will not be cast in the name of history or personality cults. It will be cast for fresh ideas, credible leadership, and tangible results.
ODM at 20 has taught us one painful lesson: loyalty without respect is betrayal. And Kisii will no longer stand for it.