KAKAMEGA, Kenya- Political tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have intensified, with the faction led by Edwin Sifuna drawing noticeably larger crowds at its rallies compared to the parallel events organised by party leader Oburu Oginga.
The development signals a deepening divide within Kenya’s oldest opposition party as it approaches the 2027 General Election.
Massive Turnout Energises Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Tour
In Kakamega County, thousands of supporters turned up at the Linda Mwananchi rally led by Sifuna — widely described by reporters as a “sea of humanity”.
The event drew significantly bigger attendance than Oburu’s simultaneous rally in Siaya County, reflecting strong grassroots support for the Sifuna faction.
Sifuna’s rally was at Amalemba stadium, which was full of energy, while Oburu’s meeting had a red carpet, with a branded group.
Speakers at the Kakamega rally, including Babu Owino, James Orengo and other regional leaders, used the large audience to declare their intention to keep the movement alive despite attempts to quash it.
Sifuna supporters chanted slogans about party identity and opposition strength, positioning Sifuna’s wing as the true inheritor of the late Raila Odinga’s political legacy.
They also chanted one-term slogans associated with the opposition.
Attempts by police to disrupt the meeting were not successful.
Kakamega ni home….Murio Muno bana beru!#LindaMwananchi #TupataneKakamega
Oburu’s Rally Draws Smaller but Steady Support
Meanwhile, in Siaya, Oburu addressed supporters at the Linda Ground rally, where he strongly defended his strategy of negotiating with President William Ruto’s government.
Oburu’s camp has stressed that his approach is about securing influence in the next government rather than remaining in perpetual opposition, a stance that has drawn criticism from segments of the rank and file who view it as a departure from ODM’s historic identity.
“We are not expelling anyone from the party. But if anyone feels uncomfortable with us, they are free to leave,” Oburu said.
“What we are doing now is preparing for next year’s elections. I don’t understand why some people say we are in a hurry; everyone is preparing.”
ODM leader Oburu Odinga says the party is not expelling anyone but maintains that those uncomfortable are free to leave.Speaking from Siaya during their Linda Ground rally, he dismissed claims of rushing to form an alliance with the government, saying every political camp is
