Kisii Governor Simba Arati/SCREENGRAB

Kisii Governor Simba Arati has expressed confidence that the Orange Democratic Movement will remain politically strong beyond what he termed as President William Ruto’s expected exit from office in 2032, citing the party’s longstanding presence in Kenya’s political landscape.

Speaking during a party forum in Lodwar, Turkana, Arati said ODM had established itself as a political institution capable of surviving leadership changes and electoral cycles.

“As ODM, after Ruto leaves in 2032, ODM will still remain standing,” Arati said.

He compared ODM with political parties in other African countries that have maintained a presence for decades, contending that the party could similarly build a lasting political legacy.

Arati cited Ghana, South Africa and Tanzania as examples of countries with established political parties that have remained influential over extended periods.

“We want to be that party in Ghana; for 50 years it's been in power. If you look at South Africa, ANC (African National Congress) is still there, it has never ceased to exist. Closer to Tanzania here, we have CCM (Chama Cha Mapinduzi), it's still the ruling party,” he said.

The governor’s remarks come as ODM conducts a three-day political tour and grassroots forum in Turkana County, running from October 23 to October 25, 2026.

The tour is aimed at strengthening party structures and mobilising supporters, with activities also taking place against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 General Election.

Arati urged young people to actively participate in the party and turn out in large numbers to seek its nomination tickets ahead of the elections.

He told participants that the party offered opportunities for a new generation of leaders to rise through its ranks and contest elective positions.

“Some of you will be MPs, governors and even president,” he told the gathering.

His remarks signalled a call for greater youth participation in ODM’s grassroots mobilisation and electoral preparations as the party seeks to consolidate its support ahead of the next General Election.

Arati also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, while maintaining that ODM should continue building its structures beyond the current political arrangement.

The two positions formed part of his broader message that the party could work within the current political landscape while retaining its identity and long-term ambitions.

ODM has played a significant role in Kenya’s multiparty politics for more than two decades, with its political influence shaped by successive elections, coalition arrangements and changes in leadership.

Arati’s remarks placed emphasis on the importance of building strong party institutions that can outlast individual leaders and remain active across successive electoral cycles.