NAIROBI, Kenya- Activist Kasmuel McOure has described ODM’s “Linda Ground” campaign and the rivalries around it as among the party’s biggest mistakes, saying leaders continued with the strategy after being warned it was failing.
In a statement, McOure said the party pressed on because money had been released and campaign merchandise branded, making leaders reluctant to change course.
He called the decision an example of the “sunk cost fallacy” and said ODM should have cut its losses sooner.
“Had we cut our losses then, the rivalry might never have ballooned into what it is today,” he said, adding that he and other young members continued supporting the party’s position despite their reservations.
McOure argued that the fallout helped give rise to a rival movement that is now seeking to claim the “Linda Mwananchi” name.
He said the dispute unfolded when ODM was at its weakest and that President William Ruto stood with the party during that period.
ODM announced in May that it would abandon the Linda Ground slogan and campaign under its official name and colours, amid tensions over rival political messaging within the party.
McOure urges ODM to honour Ruto alliance
McOure questioned why ODM leaders would now turn against Ruto, arguing that the party should acknowledge and reciprocate the support he provided when it was struggling.
He said the party’s political commitments to the President should be guided by “principle and reciprocity, not convenience”. He ended the statement with the slogan “TUTAM BILA CONDITIONS” and “Usawa Ni Sawa. Mbele Pamoja.”
McOure also said Dr Oburu Oginga and Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo should represent the community’s interests in discussions with the President, describing them as leaders with the experience and standing to do so.
The statement comes amid continued debate within ODM over the party’s political direction and its relationship with Ruto’s administration.
The party has discussed cooperation with the President’s United Democratic Alliance ahead of the 2027 election.
