ODM party leader Oburu Oginga and embattled Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is witnessing rising internal rivalry as factions intensify grassroots mobilisation to consolidate influence in its traditional strongholds ahead of the 2027 General Election.
One camp aligned to party leader Oburu Oginga has stepped up rallies and membership drives, positioning itself for a possible coalition with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
In contrast, the emerging “Linda Mwananchi” faction linked to ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna is running a parallel nationwide mobilisation ahead of a September declaration in Nairobi.
The announcement is expected to determine whether the group joins the United Opposition led by Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka or pursues an independent path.
In a Central Management Committee meeting on Monday, Dr Oburu’s camp resolved to intensify grassroots recruitment and regular county engagements as part of its consolidation strategy.
ODM Leader Oburu Oginga at Linda Ground in Siaya County.
Party insiders say the drive aims to reinforce ODM structures while testing possible coalition arrangements ahead of 2027.
Over the weekend, the faction held parallel meetings in Kwale and Homa Bay, drawing senior government and party leaders.
In Kwale, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir urged support for President Ruto’s re-election, citing continuity, stability and development.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna address a Linda Mwananchi politcal rally at Mazembe Grounds in Nakuru City on April 19, 2026.
Governor Nassir warned against “empty rhetoric” and personality politics, arguing that leadership should focus on delivery and practical solutions.
In Homa Bay, Governor Gladys Wanga, Treasury CS John Mbadi, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and Interior PS Raymond Omollo rallied support for the government, with Mr Mbadi backing Governor Wanga’s second-term bid and calling for unity.
A similar youth-focused meeting is scheduled for Busia on June 28, bringing together representatives from all seven sub-counties to strengthen ODM structures and discuss economic empowerment.
Meanwhile, the Sifuna-led “Linda Mwananchi” faction has launched a nationwide tour covering at least 24 counties ahead of its September Nairobi declaration rally, which will determine its 2027 political direction.
The team has so far held about 11 rallies across Nairobi, Kajiado, Busia, Narok, Kakamega, Vihiga, Kisumu, Mombasa and Machakos, signalling expanding networks within ODM-linked structures.
Party insiders, including Mr Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, say the tour is meant to gather grassroots views before finalising the strategy for 2027. The itinerary includes upcoming rallies in Kisii, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, coastal counties and parts of the Rift Valley.
The United Opposition, led by Mr Gachagua and Mr Musyoka, has also expressed interest in working with the faction to field a single presidential candidate against President Ruto, sharpening early coalition talks.
Siaya Governor James Orengo addresses a Linda Mwananchi political rally at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega on February 21, 2026.
Last weekend, a delegation led by Mr Sifuna, Mr Orengo and Mr Osotsi held a rally in Thika Town, marking the faction’s growing national presence. Mr Osotsi said the group has lined up more than 10 additional rallies ahead of a major Nairobi event where it will declare its 2027 direction.
He said the team will be in Kisii on June 26, then Trans Nzoia and Bungoma in early July, with the Bungoma rally also serving as Mr Sifuna’s homecoming.
Further events are planned in Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kilifi, Kwale, Eldoret and parts of Siaya, Migori and Homa Bay.
“We want to listen to the people before making a declaration for 2027,” Mr Osotsi said.
“A major Nairobi rally in September will set out our agenda and plans for 2027,” he added. The faction has attracted several political figures, including Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter and former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera. Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has also associated herself with the movement, signalling its widening appeal.
Mr Osotsi said more leaders had indicated interest in joining ahead of the 2027 elections, with ongoing consultations expected to further shape alliances.
Talk of a possible alliance between Linda Mwananchi and the broader United Opposition has intensified, with both sides signalling openness to a single presidential ticket against President Ruto.
On Monday, Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua began a 45-day political retreat at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri for consultations aimed at building consensus on the opposition’s presidential flagbearer.
At a recent rally in Machakos, Mr Sifuna and other leaders hinted at ongoing coalition talks between opposition formations, arguing that unity would be key to defeating the incumbent.
“If Kalonzo goes to the presidential ballot alone, he can still defeat Ruto. If Sifuna goes alone, he can still beat Ruto. However, to make the work easier, we have to unite. We want to give this person one team,” he said.
Mr Sifuna has not publicly declared whether he will run for president or defend his Nairobi Senate seat, though his rising profile continues to fuel speculation about a possible senior ticket role.
A recent Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) poll showed a Kalonzo-Sifuna ticket attracting 28 per cent support among opposition voters, ranking second to a Kalonzo-Matiang’i pairing at 31 per cent.
The poll also indicated that the Linda Mwananchi faction enjoys stronger support among ODM loyalists than the previously referenced “Linda Ground” grouping, a label that has since been dropped.
In April, the faction outlined a nationwide mobilisation plan including region-specific policy proposals aligned with local concerns. The strategy also includes establishing a central coordination unit to manage mobilisation, messaging, resource mobilisation and liaison with other political actors.
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