A bitter power struggle is gripping the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as Secretary General Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi tour takes on party leader Oburu Oginga’s Linda Ground movement.

The most popular party is now experiencing internal turmoil in the post-Raila era, as Sifuna-led firebrands are pushing for the presidency, as pro-President William Ruto allies are pushing for a 50/50 share stake ahead of the 2027 elections.

The tour, set to kick off in Busia Town on Sunday, February 8, 2026, will bring together ODM heavyweights, party officials, and political commentators.

Scheduled participants include Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Vihiga’s Godfrey Osotsi, Nyamira’s Erick Okong’o Mogeni, and National Assembly members Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Caleb Amisi (Saboti), Wanami Wamboka (Bumula), Patrick Makau (Mavoko), Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti), and Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai).

Other notable figures expected include Wilberforce Oundo, Raphael Wanjala, Caroli Omondi, Obadiah Barongo, Clive Gisairo, and Antoney Kibagendi.

The Busia gathering largely comprises ODM members opposed to the emerging ODM-UDA coalition framework, seeking to consolidate grassroots influence for the 2027 showdown.

On the other hand, the Linda Ground initiative, led by Oburu and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, was launched in January 2026 at Kamukunji Grounds in Kibra to gauge delegates’ views on whether ODM should enter pre-coalition talks with the ruling UDA.

Since then, forums have been held in Kakamega, Busia, Kisii, and Nyamira to woo the bloc’s turf amid fears of shifting political chessboards in favour of the opposition.

Sifuna expose

Sifuna, who is a signatory to the party’s finances, in an interview on a local TV station on  Tuesday, January 3, 2026, distanced himself from the funding of these forums.

 “I can state authoritatively here that the money and the resources you see being spent in those ODM rallies, the so-called Linda Ground forums, are not coming from ODM headquarters,” he revealed.

“The last funds released from party accounts were used during ODM’s 20th-anniversary celebrations at the coast.”

Questioning his exclusion from the forums, Sifuna said the move appeared deliberate, especially after Wanga indicated that a party official would present at a planned National Delegates Conference.

ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi also revealed he was left out of the Western Kenya meetings despite his seniority.

Though it is still not clear who the actual financier of ODM Linda ground tours is, questions continue to abound.

For instance, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga accused the government of financing Linda Ground rallies to sway ODM toward President William Ruto. She defended Sifuna, calling his critics hypocritical.

 “Those with the answers, why can’t you provide them? Are governors funding the campaigns? Are MPs doing it from the CDF kitty? Did we get a philanthropist that a party SG is not aware of who is funding the clearly expensive public fora? And what is in it for the ‘philanthropist’?” she asked.

Oburu responds to Sifuna

In a statement on Friday, February 6, 2026, Oburu has hit back at Sifuna’s claims, accusing the Secretary General of blurring personal opinion with official party policy.

“ODM has, since its inception, demonstrated fidelity to its Constitution and to the rule of law. The same principle has put every individual in their rightful position, including that of Sen. Sifuna,” Oburu said.

“We want to state categorically that all Party officials are serving substantially and supported by the Party organ resolutions.”

Oburu also noted what he described as Sifuna’s double standards, pointing out that the SG once served without direct National Delegates Convention endorsement but did not question the party when it suited him.

Despite the tensions, Oburu did not indicate whether disciplinary action against Sifuna is imminent. The divide within ODM appears clear: one faction, led by Sifuna, pushing for the party to chart its own political path, and another, led by Oburu, leaning toward a partnership with the ruling UDA.

Sifuna remains defiant, insisting he will not resign and continues to raise concerns over claimed government funding of ODM activities, which he says is contrary to the law.