Orengo, Sifuna, Babu Lead Rival Rallies as ODM Split Deepens

Sharp divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deepened over the weekend as rival factions held competing rallies across western Kenya, exposing growing disagreement over the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 elections.

Leaders aligned to the Linda Mwananchi campaign, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, accused party colleagues of abandoning ODM’s founding principles and rejected any support for President William Ruto’s re-election. The group presented itself as the guardian of Raila Odinga’s political legacy and argued that the party should remain independent rather than align itself with the government.

The faction’s position directly challenges Linda Ground, an initiative associated with party leader Dr Oburu Oginga, which supports engagement with the government while maintaining ODM’s traditional support bases. Linda Mwananchi leaders warned that closer cooperation with the administration risked weakening the party and eroding its credibility among supporters.

Speaking at rallies in Siaya, Busia and surrounding counties, Sifuna accused President Ruto of failing to implement the 10-point agenda agreed with Odinga under the March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding. He said the agreement remained the only framework guiding ODM’s engagement with the government and insisted that any renewal would require Odinga’s direct involvement.

Governor Orengo echoed the criticism, warning against what he described as attempts to trade the party’s independence for personal benefit. He said ODM would field its own presidential candidate in 2027 and rejected claims that the party should be absorbed into a broader governing alliance.

Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi accused the President of attempting to weaken ODM through indirect influence and urged members to resist pressure to support the government. He said the party had leaders capable of mounting a credible presidential campaign.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino criticised ODM figures he accused of prioritising personal gain over party values and called for a National Delegates Conference to determine the party’s future. He linked growing youth dissatisfaction over unemployment and education to the need for a clear political alternative ahead of the next election.

The rallies were met with resistance in some areas. In Ugunja, crowds heckled the convoy with chants supporting a second term for President Ruto, while in Siaya, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi organised a counter-rally opposing the Orengo-led group. Despite disruptions, the Linda Mwananchi faction continued its tour, concluding with a large gathering at Busia Stadium.