Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) splinter group Linda Mwananchi has now set its eyes on regions traditionally considered non-ODM bases as it continues to popularise its agenda and build a national appeal.
The team, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, has its eyes on the vote-rich Mt Kenya region amid heightened speculations of secret opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Buoyed by a spectacular reception in the Ukambani backyard of Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka last weekend, the outfit’s next stop is Thika Town to test waters in a region considered crucial in determining the outcome of the 2027 presidential contest.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna 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: File | Nation
The June 14 Thika rally comes at a time when the group is changing tact and is now targeting regions it does not enjoy support by the virtue of association with the late Raila Odinga’s ODM.
Last weekend’s roadside rallies in Mutituni, Machakos and Mlolongo townships marked the first time the team went outside traditional ODM support bases. The outfit has held successful rallies in Nairobi, Busia, Kakamega, Kajiado, Narok, Kisumu and Mombasa counties.
“We are pushing our agenda, which is uniting the country and ensuring the wantam wave is consolidated. This can only be achieved by moving across the country to bring together all Kenyans,” said Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. “We are now expanding beyond traditional ODM strongholds, and after Thika, we are planning to make inroads into areas like Meru and Eldoret.”
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna address a Linda Mwananchi politcal rally at Mazembe Grounds in Nakuru City on April 19, 2026.
Photo credit: File | Nation
Political analysts opine that should the Thika rally follow the grand receptions enjoyed by the Senator Sifuna team in its previous meetings, then it will be difficult to ignore the outfit in any presidential conversation.
“The choice of Thika as the entry point into the vote-rich Mt Kenya is a masterstroke and should the meeting succeed, then it will mark the coming of age of Linda Mwananchi,” says political commentator Dr Joshua Wafula.
President William Ruto and his friend-turned-foe Rigathi Gachagua were swept to power majorly by 17 counties that contributed nearly two-thirds of the total votes they secured to marginally beat Azimio’s Odinga in the 2022 presidential election.
The 10 Mt Kenya counties and the seven from the North Rift collectively handed him 4.5 million votes, which translated to 63 percent of his total votes.
Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Embu, Meru and Nakuru collectively gave Dr Ruto nearly three million votes, with 2,938,309 votes from the 10 Mt Kenya counties.
Further, according to data released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission on results of continuous and enhanced voter registration, Kiambu and Nakuru were among the leading counties in registering new voters, trailing only Nairobi.
Linda Mwananchi brigade draws a crowd in Kondele en route to K'Owuor Grounds, Kisumu, for a rally on April 26, 2026.
Photo credit: File | Nation
The ODM faction's change of tactics comes shortly after revelations that a coalition is being planned between Linda Mwananchi and the United Opposition to present a single presidential candidate.
The United Opposition comprises Mr Musyoka; the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, Gachagua; and the deputy leader of the Jubilee Party, Fred Matiang’i.
However, talks have been rife of a presidential pairing involving the two teams ahead of the 2027 General Election with the aim of making President Ruto a one-term president.
During the Machakos County rally, Senator Sifuna and other leaders hinted at such a conversation going on behind the scenes.
“If Kalonzo goes to the presidential ballot alone, he can still defeat Ruto. If Sifuna goes to the presidential ballot alone, he can still beat Ruto. However, to make the work easier, we have to unite. We want to give this person one team,” said Mr Sifuna.
However, he has not publicly declared whether he intends to vie for the presidency or seek re-election as Nairobi senator.
But the senator’s growing national appeal could trigger further political realignments within the opposition.
According to a poll by Trends and Insights for Africa (Tifa) released last month, a Kalonzo-Sifuna ticket emerged as a strong option among opposition supporters, attracting 28 percent support, second only to Kalonzo-Matiang’i pairing that had 31 percent rating.
The Tifa poll also showed that the Linda Mwananchi faction is significantly more popular among party supporters than the Linda Ground – a tag that has since been dropped – faction led by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
In April, the Sifuna team said it was looking at mapping out the country and coming up with specific policy issues that resonate with each region.
The strategy was part of a multi-pronged grand plan designed to endear its leaders to voters in pursuit of the formation’s 2027 game plan.
Part of the grand plan also included setting up a nerve centre that will be tasked with resource mobilisation, crafting strategies and messaging, as well as providing linkages with other players.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi addresses delegates during the People’s Delegate Convention organised by the Linda Mwananchi faction of the ODM party in Nairobi on March 27, 2026.
Photo credit: File | Nation
The coordination centre, which will function as the secretariat of the new outfit, was to be led by Senator Osotsi as the coordinator tasked with the outfit’s activities at a time when the group has been making serious political inroads across the country.
The coordinator, who will be assuming an administration and managerial role, will also be charged with resource mobilisation, working behind the scene to concretise the outfit’s messaging, crafting strategies and providing linkage with various groups working for Linda Mwananchi.
The team, which mirrors a think tank, will be reporting directly to the outfit’s principals – who will consider their report before approval.
