Ian Tom holding an orange during his 52-hour ODM challenge.  

In an unusual form of political expression, a young man from Uasin Gishu County has embarked on a 52-hour prayer vigil in Kakamega, holding an orange as a symbolic call for reflection on the direction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The individual, who identified himself as Ian Tom, began the vigil at 2:30 pm on Monday, January 19, 2026, and is expected to conclude it at 6:30 pm on Wednesday.

He positioned himself against a tree and said the act was intended to encourage prayer among ODM supporters over the party’s direction.

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“I am from Uasin Gishu and my parents are not aware that I am in Kakamega,” Tom said during the early hours of the vigil. “I am holding this orange for 52 hours to send a message to ODM followers to pray for the direction of the party.”

He added in Kiswahili: “Sitakula na sitakunywa, hata mvua ikinyesha sitatoka hapa,” meaning that he would neither eat nor drink and would remain at the spot regardless of weather conditions.

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Tom described his action as “ujumbe kwa wafuasi wa ODM kuombea mwelekeo wa chama,” a phrase that translates to a call on party supporters to pray for the party’s direction.

The orange is widely recognised as ODM’s official party symbol, a choice that underscores the political message behind the vigil.

The vigil comes at a time when the future direction of the party has been the subject of public discussion, with the Kenyan media outlets reporting on differing views among senior ODM figures following recent shifts in the national political landscape. The reports have focused on policy positions and political alignments rather than formal party processes.

However, ODM leadership has consistently dismissed suggestions of internal divisions. Party leader Oburu Oginga, who took over after Raila Odinga's death, and other senior officials have previously stated that differing opinions within the party are normal in a democratic organisation and should not be interpreted as evidence of cracks.

ODM officials have also maintained that the party’s structures remain intact and focused on its agenda.

As of Wednesday evening, ODM had not issued a statement directly addressing the vigil.