KITENGELA, Kenya — Thousands of supporters thronged Kitengela town in Kajiado County on Sunday as a high‑stakes political rally led by Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo drew one of the largest crowds in the area amid simmering tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Organised under the banner of the “Linda Mwananchi Tour”, the rally, the first major political engagement since Sifuna’s attempted ouster as ODM Secretary General, saw thousands of residents, party supporters and activists gather to hear opposition leaders outline their grievances and outline their vision for the country.
Sifuna used the platform to reaffirm his commitment to grassroots mobilisation and underscore his continued relevance in national politics despite recent party disputes.
He told the crowd that he would not be intimidated in his mission to advocate for citizens’ welfare and hold the government accountable.
“We will not fear anything,” Sifuna declared as cheers erupted from the gathering.
“We will continue to speak the truth so that we protect the citizens from the corruption in this country and the abductions we have witnessed… even if they do away with Sifuna, more than 15 million Sifunas will continue with this mission.”
Crowds cheer “Wantam!” as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi team touch down in Kitengela.
He criticised President William Ruto’s administration for what he described as “weak leadership” that has failed to deliver essential services, and called on Kenyans to stand firm in their pursuit of justice and accountability.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, a senior ODM stalwart, also addressed the supporters, echoing calls for unity and admonishing what he described as interference in party affairs.
While he did not directly address the internal party dispute at length, Orengo reiterated the need for the party to remain true to its principles and resist forces he suggested were undermining its unity.
“Our focus is on uplifting the people and protecting their interests,” Orengo told the cheering crowd, appealing to party supporters to resist any efforts to silence dissent within the party ranks.
Siaya Governor James Orengo: Watu wa ODM ambao wako Mombasa warudishie Ruto pesa zake. Mambo iko hapa Kitengela.
The rally came as ODM continues to grapple with internal divisions following a National Executive Committee (NEC) vote to remove Sifuna as Secretary General, a move temporarily halted by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.
Several other prominent figures allied to the Sifuna faction attended the event, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, underscoring the broad appeal of the rally across different regions.
Political analysts say the rally not only demonstrated Sifuna’s enduring support base but also revealed deepening splits within ODM ranks, with competing factions now holding parallel events in different parts of the country.
As the day progressed, supporters chanted slogans and expressed solidarity with the leaders, many saying they saw the rally as a reaffirmation of their political identity amid a charged environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna: Walisema sisi ndio wachache, leo tutawahesabia wajue sisi ndio wengi.
