Teachers across Siaya County have officially launched a unified political movement under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) banner, aiming to aggregate public opinion and secure representation for educators in key policy decisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The newly formed alliance, titled Siaya County Teachers with ODM Movement, held its inaugural coordinating meeting to establish a formal hierarchy spanning county, constituency, and ward levels. Led by prominent local education figures, the group intends to draft a comprehensive service charter to present during national policy negotiations.
”We are here in the capacity of a team leader,” said Vincent Kowino, the movement’s Team Leader. “We are here to form this movement purposefully to unite teachers from this county… with an objective of ensuring the popularity, the mission, and the objectives of the party in our Siaya County are done in a way that is progressive and promoting the spirit of unity.”
Kowino emphasized that the movement seeks a structured seat at the negotiating table rather than forcing educators into premature political endorsements.
”This teachers’ organization and movement is formed today to ensure that as we go for the 2027 elections, the voice of teachers in the education sector can get space,” Kowino added. “We don’t want to be bundled into a train that teachers are supporting a particular candidate. That is what we are saying no to. We want something that is structured… We are urging the teachers in Siaya County not to hurry with candidates or endorse candidates; it is too early.”
The coalition brings together representatives across all levels of the education sector, including Early Childhood Development (ECD), primary, Junior Secondary School (JSS), senior secondary, tertiary institutions, and retired educators.
Sam Opondo, one of the lead coordinators of the movement, reaffirmed the strength of the party within the region and highlighted the need to maintain strong party representation across elective offices.
”ODM has not become a weak party. ODM is as strong as ever,” Opondo stated. “And as teachers of Siaya, this is the first time we are coming up in a structured manner to negotiate with ODM and to negotiate with the citizens in Siaya, so that we ensure that the party manages to get adequate positions at the parliamentary level, at the county assembly, and at the governor level.”
Opondo noted that key figures in the region including Siaya Governor James Orengo and former ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna remain integral members of the party, signaling strong regional cohesion moving forward.
Madam Monica Omondi, Chairperson of the movement reassured supporters of the party’s continued strength in the region, stating that the group remains committed to backing ODM candidates across all elective positions, including governor, MP, and MCA seats.
”We are going to support ODM with all our resources, with all our efforts, so that we ensure ODM remains strong as it is,” Omondi said.
The movement plans to conduct extensive public participation forums at the constituency and ward levels to compile teachers’ views into a formal policy framework before party nominations begin.
