Former West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio has officially joined Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), anchoring his bid for the West Pokot gubernatorial seat in the upcoming 2027 General Election.

Mr. Poghisio was received at Chungwa House, which is ODM’s headquarters in Nairobi, on Tuesday, November 3, by the Deputy Party Leader Mr. Simba Arati flanked by a delegation of national and regional leaders.

Arati explains Poghisio’s political move, characterizing it as a strategic boost for the party’s regional expansion.

“Baba loved West Pokot, and the Pokot people loved him back. We are going to reignite that fire. The spirit of Baba will be felt all over,” Arati says, drawing parallels to the legacy of long-time opposition leader, the late Raila Odinga.

Mr. Poghisio is the latest politician to publicly join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party just days after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja made the same courageous move.

Poghisio says that his transition followed extensive consultations with his family and local party networks, describing himself as a long-time admirer of ODM’s ideals.

“We are determined to make ODM bigger. We shall treverse all corners of the republic strengthening and adding new energy into the party,” he adds.

Over the past four decades, he has been in politics beginning with his election as the inaugural MP for Kacheliba on a KANU ticket during the controversial Mlolongo (queue-voting) elections. He was, however, briefly expelled by the KANU disciplinary committee, but managed to reclaim the seat in 1997, serving three consecutive terms until 2013. He would make a political comeback in 2017, serving as West Pokot Senator until 2022.

Meanwhile, Poghisio is not the only key West Pokot leader to join ODM. He was accompanied by a delegation of 80 people including sitting MCAs who also defected into the party. Members of County Assembly (MCAs) who have formally crossed over to ODM include Gladys Kori, John Bosco Lotikiru, Amos Liangor, Joshua Kolipus Nakuria, Tukei Mzalendo Simon, and Francis Krop, a Kacheliba parliamentary aspirant.

The event was also attended by Deputy Governors Martin Moshisho (Kajiado) and William Oduol Denge (Siaya). Others were MPs John Ariko (Turkana South), Dr. Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Senator of Kisumu County Prof. Tom Ojienda and the Executive Director of the party Mr. Oduor Ong’wen.

Mr. Ong’wen welcomed the new members to the party saying they had made the right decision to join ODM.

“We are the only party in Kenya with over 1.5 million officials from the grassroots levels to the national level, therefore you are in the right party,” he said.