NAIROBI, Kenya — Siaya Governor James Orengo has warned of an alleged plot to disrupt a political rally by the Linda Mwananchi faction scheduled for Sunday at Kowuor Grounds in Kisumu, escalating tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Orengo, a principal figure in the splinter group often described as ODM rebels, said they were aware of individuals planning violence and urged them to abandon the scheme.
“We are fully aware of those orchestrating violence and the interests they serve. Abandon your schemes; this movement is an unstoppable force. The voice of the people is the voice of God. Tupatane KaOwuor Grounds!” he said.
The warning comes amid rising political friction ahead of the rally, which has drawn opposition from leaders aligned to Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
The faction backing Oburu has signaled it will not support the gathering, accusing the Linda Mwananchi group of disrespecting party leadership.
Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi called on Kisumu residents to boycott the rally, arguing it offers no tangible benefit to locals and risks heightening political tensions in the region.
Despite the pushback, the Linda Mwananchi faction has intensified its campaign to take control of ODM, rallying behind Orengo as its preferred leader and a potential presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.
The group has framed its movement as a continuation of reformist ideals associated with the late Raila Odinga, whose death has triggered a succession contest within the party.
At a recent rally in Vihiga County, Edwin Sifuna publicly endorsed Orengo as the most suitable successor, dismissing Oburu’s leadership credentials and portraying him as vulnerable to external political influence, particularly from President William Ruto.
In a symbolic gesture aimed at consolidating regional support, Sifuna pledged to spend Sh20,000 on a traditional Luhya cockerel ritual to affirm Orengo’s political ascendancy.
He also sought to ease ethnic tensions, stating there is no hostility between the Luhya and Luo communities despite a recent incident involving Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who was attacked in Kisumu.
Sifuna dismissed critics opposing the Kisumu rally, insisting the movement’s agenda transcends regional and factional divides.
However, his stance has drawn sharp criticism from Oburu, who has accused him of defying party structures and running parallel political activities outside ODM’s official framework.
While acknowledging Sifuna’s role within the party, Oburu maintained that individual opinions cannot override formal party positions and warned that ODM would continue operating regardless of internal dissent.
He cautioned the first-term senator against indiscipline, noting that previous leaders who challenged party authority had been sidelined.
As the situation unfolds, the Linda Mwananchi rally is shaping up as both a test of internal ODM cohesion and a broader indicator of how succession politics will play out in the post-Odinga era.
