NAIROBI, Kenya -A deepening rift within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was on full display on Sunday as two rival factions held separate political rallies in Mombasa and Kitengela, underscoring mounting internal divisions over the party’s leadership and direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In Mombasa, the “Linda Ground” faction led by party leader Oburu Oginga gathered supporters at the historic Tononoka Grounds to champion its agenda, which includes strengthening grassroots support and engaging in power-sharing talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under a Broad‑Based Government framework.
The Oburu faction described its mobilisation at the Coast as a show of strength and unity, even as the party grapples with one of the most serious internal tensions in recent years.
Wrapping up a Coastal tour, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed said ODM’s support at the Coast remained strong and vibrant, rejecting claims that recent events have weakened the party’s cohesion.
— Our party is stronger in Pwani than ever before. We are not afraid to show up in our party’s #orange brand, for this is how we have always done it.We are today bolder and more determined to strengthen the support bases of our democratic movement for the forthcoming polls.
“Our party is stronger in Pwani than ever before. We are not afraid to show up in our party’s orange brand, for this is how we have always done it,” the Suna East MP said, emphasising resolve ahead of the 2027 general election.
At the same time in Kitengela, Kajiado County, a rival group aligned with Edwin Sifuna held its own “Linda Mwananchi” rally, drawing large crowds and prominent figures including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who vowed to defend what they described as the party’s core ideals.
The rally in Kitengela was bigger and more charged compared to that in Mombasa.
The situation in Kitengela became tense when anti‑riot police moved in to disperse the crowd, firing tear gas canisters into the assembly, sending people scattering amid choking fumes.
At least 7 people sustainined injuries during the fracas caused by the police.
Those ODM leaders in Mombasa should refund Ruto his money – Orengo
What happened at the two rallies?
- Tononoka Grounds, Mombasa – “Linda Ground” rally:
The faction aligned to party leader Dr Oburu Oginga held a rally in Mombasa’s Tononoka Grounds, reaffirming support for his leadership and the party’s ongoing engagement with the William Ruto administration’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Coast leaders said ODM must be part of the government, arguing that opposition alone won’t deliver benefits to citizens. - Kitengela, Kajiado – “Linda Mwananchi” rally:
At the same time, another faction led by embattled ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna — which calls itself Linda Mwananchi — held its own rally in Kitengela, sharply criticising the leadership’s direction and rejecting moves to align too closely with the government.
That event grew tense when anti-riot police fired tear gas to disperse participants, highlighting the volatility of the internal standoff.
Political observers say the fractures mark the deepening power struggle within ODM following the passing of the party’s longstanding leader, Raila Odinga, in October 2025.
Roots of the Rift
The latest crisis stems from a protracted power struggle in ODM, intensified by disagreements over whether the party should align with the government or remain independent.
Earlier this month, ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) voted to remove Sifuna from the position of Secretary General, a move he and allied leaders described as unlawful and procedurally flawed.
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal later halted the implementation of that decision pending further hearings.
Oburu has defended the disciplinary actions, saying they were necessary to enforce party rules and maintain unity, while insisting that Sifuna remains a member of the party despite stepping aside from his leadership role.
Thank You Kitengela. Inspite of all the harassment, intimidation and violence from this morning you showed up. They first destroyed our dais and sound equipment in the morning, the state goons have now teargassed a peaceful assembly and brought it to an abrupt end. We shall not
Analysts say the dispute reflects deeper tensions within ODM following the death of its long‑time figurehead, Raila Odinga, with factions diverging on strategy and leadership as the party prepares for the next election.
Leadership and strategic direction, particularly whether to engage with the ruling party, UDA, or remain in outright opposition, have become flashpoints.
The Oburu faction has championed structured talks with UDA as part of a Broad-Based Government (BBG) approach, insisting such engagement is essential for influence and policy gains.
Oburu is set to form a team of negotiators to face President William Ruto’s UDA.
In his address concluding the Pwani engagements, the Suna East MP struck a conciliatory but firm tone, framing the Coastal mobilisation as evidence of ODM’s grassroots confidence despite internal disagreements.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to a united Kenya in which resources and opportunities are fairly shared, and said ODM will form the next government with partners who share that vision.
“We wind up the Coastal tour very happy and confident of the future of our party and movement led ably by our party leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga,” he said.
