Battle lines were sharply drawn on Sunday as ODM leaders opposed to the broad-based government embarked on parallel countrywide rallies, urging their supporters to reject President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
The faction, mobilising under the slogan Linda Mwananchi - loosely translated as protect the people - called on party members to safeguard the legacy of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga by remaining true to ODM’s founding ideals, rather than "sell" the party to President Ruto.
Linda Mwananchi has emerged as a counterweight to Linda Ground, a campaign spearheaded by another ODM faction led by party leader Dr Oburu Oginga. That initiative seeks to rally support for the broad-based government while preserving ODM’s traditional strongholds.
Sifuna-led ODM faction accuses Oburu camp of betraying Raila's vision
The Linda Mwananchi team comprised Siaya Governor James Orengo, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, and Azimio la Umoja Secretary General Caroli Omondi, who is also the Suba South MP.
They were joined by Wiper’s Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti MP), Barongo Obadia (Bomachoge Borabu) and Brian Weke.
At every stop from Siaya to Busia, the leaders challenged the government over the implementation of the 10-point agenda agreed upon when President Ruto and Mr Odinga signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2025. They accused the President of lacking commitment to honouring the agreement.
“The only Bible Raila left us is the 10-point agenda, and the President has not honoured it to date. If he has defied Raila, what makes you think he will respect any agreement with Dr Oburu?” Mr Sifuna posed.
The ODM Secretary General described those gathered in Busia as the true soldiers of “Baba”, vowing to defend both the party and the people’s interests at all costs.
“They call us rebels when we ask critical questions and defend the people. We shall not be cowed. Raila did not mentor cowards; we will soldier on. The agreement between ODM and United Democratic Alliance ends on March 7, and there will be no extension. Any renewal can only come with Raila’s signature, but Baba is resting in Bondo,” Mr Sifuna said.
ODM Edwin Sifuna during a public rally by Linda Mwananchi faction of the ODM at Busia Stadium in Busia County on February 8, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Governor Orengo accused some party colleagues of plotting to sell out ODM, promising firm resistance. He said no amount of intimidation or threats would deter them from calling out wrongs within both the party and government.
“We will not allow anyone to sell the party. We do not want tumbocrats in ODM. No one will break this party, nor will it be swallowed by another. Everything ODM stands for is for the benefit of the people,” Mr Orengo said.
He further accused some leaders of abandoning ODM’s ideals in favour of personal ambition and the sharing of positions.
Siaya Governor James Orengo during a public rally by Linda Mwananchi faction of the ODM at Busia Stadium in Busia County on February 8, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
“ODM will present a candidate because we are able to. Even Raila told us that our focus should not be positions, but the interests of the people. Very soon, those trading with ODM will not be welcome, not just in Busia, but across the country,” Mr Orengo said.
Ruto's plan to take over ODM
Deputy party leader Mr Osotsi said they would not allow the President to take over ODM “through the back door”, urging like-minded colleagues to speak out.
“We have capable leaders in ODM who can contest the presidency. We should not be intimidated. I urge my colleagues who support this cause not to be afraid of the threats we are facing,” Mr Osotsi said.
ODM Deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi during a public rally by Linda Mwananchi faction of the ODM at Busia Stadium in Busia County on February 8, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Speaking at a roadside rally in Ugunja, the leaders took their campaign to the doorstep of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
Babu Owino said it was futile to claim a stake in a government that is hurting the people. He accused some ODM leaders of pursuing selfish interests at the expense of wananchi.
“Some people left in ODM are only looking after their stomachs. You cannot sing ‘two-term’ when the youth are jobless, the education sector is in shambles, and families of those killed during protests are yet to be compensated,” Mr Owino said.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino during a public rally by Linda Mwananchi faction of the ODM at Busia Stadium in Busia County on February 8, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
He cited persistent problems with school capitation and said the Social Health Authority was beset by numerous challenges. He added that while the youth were frequently mobilised for violence, protests and arrests, they were excluded when it came to sharing power.
Unnamed leaders plotting disruption
Mr Owino called for a National Delegates Conference, saying he was ready to be handed the party. He added that they were prepared for by-elections should they be expelled from ODM.
“In 2027, we shall have a revolution of courage, meaningful jobs and ideals. They tell us not to protest, yet it is protests that gave Wandayi and Mbadi their jobs,” Mr Owino said.
Azimio Secretary General Mr Omondi said Mr Odinga had entrusted them with stewardship of the coalition and that they would work with existing partners ahead of the 2027 elections.
Oburu Oginga launches fierce attack on ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna
Senator Onyonka said a government that could not take care of its people had no moral claim to office.
Mr Kimilu said the strong bond between Mr Odinga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka should continue to be nurtured.
The leaders defied their critics by pushing into Busia despite attempts by a group of youths to block their convoy. They accused unnamed leaders of plotting the disruption and vowed to continue their nationwide rallies.
In Ugunja, they were heckled by a section of the crowd chanting “two-term”. But the leaders completed their speeches before proceeding to Sega, Bumala and finally Busia Stadium for their concluding rally.
Earlier in Siaya Town, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi had held a separate rally, urging residents not to allow the Orengo-led team into the county.
“We do not want to continue with protests. The only person against President Ruto’s government in Siaya is known. We will not allow a return to the kind of politics that has cost us for years,” Mr Atandi said.
He vowed to frustrate campaigns by anti–broad-based government politicians in Siaya County, accusing them of acting against the people’s interests.
The Linda Mwananchi team is scheduled to tour Kakamega next, followed by Vihiga, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia, as it seeks to drum up support for its agenda.
