Stakes are already high ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kisumu on Sunday, where the rival ODM faction is set to showcase its political strength.
Linda Mwananchi leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, among other politicians, are expected in the lakeside city for a mega rally after holding a political meeting in neighbouring Vihiga County.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino addresses delegates during the People’s Delegate Convention organised by the Linda Mwananchi faction of the ODM at Ufungamano House in Nairobi on March 27, 2026.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
During his political career, the late ODM leader Raila Odinga often retreated to Kisumu whenever he needed to communicate major political decisions and direction.
Sunday’s rally comes at a time when the ODM party, an outfit built by the late Mr Odinga, is facing divisions and internal conflicts that have led to the emergence of a rival faction.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and his Suba South counterpart Caroli Omondi have already heightened the political temperature, insisting they will not allow any attempts to sabotage their meeting.
“We will not bow to state intimidation. The Kisumu rally will proceed as planned,” said Babu Owino on Wednesday, alleging that a powerful government official had sent DCI officers to arrest his bodyguard in a bid to frustrate the meeting.
Mr Owino is among the most vocal critics of President William Ruto’s government and has been actively campaigning against his re-election.
Speaking at a rally in Nakuru East on Sunday, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi was emphatic that they would not tolerate intimidation and were ready to confront anyone attempting to disrupt their meeting.
“We will be in Kisumu on Sunday, and if anyone tries to scuttle our meeting, we are ready to face them. We are not afraid. Kisumu is Baba’s stronghold, and we must continue our journey of rescuing the country without leaving Kisumu behind,” said Omondi, who is serving his first term in Parliament.
'We will liberate this country,' Linda Mwananchi leaders in Nakuru
Siaya Governor James Orengo, speaking in an interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, said the meeting would demonstrate how they plan to empower the Luo community.
“Let people come to our rally in Kisumu. Those who tried to disrupt our meetings elsewhere did not succeed. I have been to Ahero, and the message I received resonates with our political stand in the region,” said Orengo.
“I have been in politics for a long time and understand what is best for our region. We need to form the government, not campaign for leaders from other parties. That is why we are working to strengthen our party,” he added.
The rally comes amid a fierce supremacy battle between the Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground factions.
All Kisumu County MPs are aligned with the Linda Ground faction, led by ODM leader Dr Oburu Oginga, the late Raila Odinga’s brother. However, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has taken a neutral stance and has not publicly declared his allegiance to any faction.
Siaya Governor James Orengo addresses a Linda Mwananchi political rally at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega on February 21, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
A month ago, the Linda Ground faction held a consultative meeting in Kisumu East Constituency attended by all county MPs and Luo Nyanza leaders, where they affirmed their continued support for President Ruto.
Governor Nyong’o did not attend that meeting but has consistently attended public events presided over by President Ruto, particularly those involving development projects.
The visit by Linda Mwananchi leaders comes two weeks after Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, one of their key figures, was attacked in Kisumu, an incident that raised political and security concerns.
Ahead of the rally, Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has called for peace, assuring that the government will take action against individuals who incite violence at political gatherings.
“Every Kenyan has the right to assemble and engage freely in any part of the country, not just Kisumu. We will protect these rights, whether one supports or opposes the government. No one should feel threatened or threaten others,” he said on April 18.
“However, those planning public events must follow the laid-down procedures. At the same time, those not interested in such gatherings should be allowed to go about their activities without disruption. As a government, that is our responsibility,” he added.
