The simmering cracks within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) burst further into the open on Sunday as Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo led a charged Linda Mwananchi rally at Busia Stadium, drawing thousands of supporters in what now appears to be a direct political statement against both the Kenya Kwanza administration and internal contradictions within the party.
The rally was attended by senior ODM leaders including Embakasi East Mp Hon Babu Owino, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and a host of party officials and grassroots mobilisers, as supporters streamed into the stadium chanting anti-corruption slogans and pro-people messages.
Addressing the crowd, a defiant Sifuna dismissed claims that ODM leaders had been warned against stepping foot in Busia.
“Ati walisema hatuingii Busia—hapa ni wapi? Baba hakulea waoga. Mimi ndio Sifuna,” he declared, drawing thunderous applause.
In remarks that stunned the gathering, Sifuna disclosed that he had received threats from individuals allegedly claiming they were ready to kill him, but insisted that intimidation would not silence him.
“Wale wanasema wako tayari kuniua, waambieni—mko tayari kunizika?” he posed, as the crowd erupted in chants.
Sifuna anchored his defiance on the political philosophy of Raila Odinga, saying ODM leaders were raised to defend wananchi without fear.
“Hatutatishwa na mtu yeyote. Raila hakulea waoga. Alituambia kila siku tuchunge masilahi ya wananchi,” he added.
The ODM Secretary General sharply faulted the government over delays in school capitation and the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying the systems were failing ordinary Kenyans.
“Siwezi nyamaza wakati wazazi wanang’ang’ana kupeleka watoto shule na huduma za afya hazifanyi kazi,” Sifuna said.
ODM–UDA Pact and 2027 Politics
In a major political signal, Sifuna revisited the controversial ODM–UDA working agreement, clarifying that it was not a coalition pact, had 10 specific agendas, most of which remain unfulfilled, and is set to expire in 30 days.
“Hatukuandikia extension. Kama kuna mtu anataka kuendelea na makubaliano haya, lazima yafuatwe kwa misingi halali ya kisheria,” he stated.
Siaya Governor James Orengo went a step further, declaring that ODM will never join a broad-based government, insisting the party remains firmly in opposition.
Orengo assured supporters that ODM will field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, dismissing any talk of power-sharing arrangements with the ruling coalition.
Meanwhile, Babu Owino praised Busia residents for turning out in large numbers to reject corruption and impunity.
“The great people of Busia came out in their thousands to say a resounding NO to corruption and impunity. We will never tire in our fight for the dignity and rights of every Kenyan,” Babu said.
The Linda Mwananchi tour is now shaping up as a bold political movement, with ODM leaders drawing clear battle lines over governance, accountability, and the party’s 2027 path.
