The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing renewed internal turbulence after the Linda Mwananchi faction accused party leader Oburu Oginga of betrayal and vowed to field a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.

The faction, which claims to be the true custodian of ODM’s founding ideals, made the declaration during a heated political meeting in Vihiga County on Saturday, intensifying an already fragile party unity.

Speaking to supporters in Vihiga County on Saturday, April 25, 2026, honchos allied to Linda Mwananchi dismissed ongoing efforts to initiate cooperation talks between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), warning that such moves would amount to ideological surrender.

“Kila mtu anasema kitu Baba (Raila Odinga) aliwaambia kwa simu. Baba hadharani alisema, ‘Who has told you? Oburu, who has told you?’ Hatuwezi kuungana na mtu ambaye maadili yake hayafanani na sisi. Sisi ndio chama cha ugatuzi, hatuwezi tembea safari na watu kama UDA,” Sifuna said.

On his part, Siaya Governor James Orengo escalated the political rhetoric further, openly declaring the faction’s ambition to reclaim control of ODM and position itself for national leadership.

“Tumesema kwamba Linda Mwananchi ndio vuguvugu kubwa katika Kenya hii, and we must produce a presidential candidate. Hawaezi kuuza chama cha Raila Odinga, tuko hapo kuhakikisha chama iko imara na Kasongo anaenda nyumbani,” Orengo declared.

The faction also called for heightened political tolerance, accusing state actors of targeting dissenters within ODM and attempting to weaken internal opposition.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi claimed he had been singled out for refusing to align with what he termed a pre-determined political script.

“Shida zangu zilianza wakati Raila aliaga, hapo ndio sasa nilianza kupata tabu. Tukapigania ile mambo ya ten-point agenda. Alafu wakaanza kusumbua Sifuna. Walipojaribu kunipea kiti nikuwe SG, nikakataa; wakanipea pesa, nikakataa. Wanasema Osotsi pekee ndio amekataa mambo ya Ruto hapa Vihiga,” Osotsi said.

Moreover, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also condemned what he described as rising political intolerance, insisting that democratic space must be protected for all leaders regardless of affiliation.

“Kama kuna rally tunapigwa, kama hakuna rally tunapigwa, hawa watu wanataka nini jamani? Kila Mkenya apewe nafasi kuongea. Ni demokrasia kila mtu aongee, kama kuna mtu haumtaki enda kwenye debe. Tuwe na political tolerance.”

Linda Mwanachi’s high-stakes rally

The Linda Mwananchi bloc further accused President William Ruto’s administration of economic mismanagement and warned of growing public dissatisfaction.

The group is expected to hold a high-profile rally in Kisumu on Sunday, April 26, 2026, even as concerns mount over claimed attempts to disrupt the gathering.

At the centre of the escalating crisis is a fierce leadership contest within ODM between factions aligned to Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground, with both sides claiming legitimacy over the party’s future direction.

Oburu Oginga, however, has firmly rejected claims of illegitimacy, insisting he was duly elected and will not be forced out of office. Responding to criticism from Orengo, Oburu dismissed suggestions that he was unfit to lead.

“I do not care whether somebody goes and declares himself party leader; you can be a party leader of the trees, you can be a party leader of the birds, but you’re certainly not the party leader of ODM,” Oburu said on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Siaya County.

Meanwhile, Orengo has maintained that his actions are aimed at protecting ODM’s political legacy and preventing external capture of the party.

“I am the people’s party leader because ODM is being sold to our political enemies. We must ensure that ODM remains strong, independent, and true to its founding ideals,” he said.

As rival camps harden their positions, the internal battle for ODM’s soul continues to intensify, setting the stage for a potentially explosive political showdown ahead of 2027.