The Linda Mwananchi movement has announced plans to formally break away from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), marking a new chapter in the opposition’s political reorganisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The announcement was made during the movement’s grassroots tour of Taita Taveta County on Saturday, July 18, 2026, where leaders addressed supporters in Mwatate, Wundanyi and Voi.

Speaking during the tour, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, who also doubles up as the outfit’s spokesperson, said the movement had reached a point where it could no longer remain within ODM.

“It has now become necessary that we dissolve the bonds that we have had with the party Orange Democratic Movement. It is now time to break away from ODM,” Omondi declared.

He also criticised the party’s current direction, saying, “ODM has betrayed not just Raila but the ideas he stood for.”

Addressing President William Ruto, Omondi added: “Stop telling the Registrar of Political Parties not to approve the registration of the Linda Mwananchi party.”

Sifuna signals presidential ambition

The Taita Taveta meeting came days after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s removal as ODM Deputy Minority Whip in the Senate, following his earlier exit as the party’s Secretary-General.

Speaking to supporters, Sifuna reflected on the political changes that have affected him and signalled his intention to seek the presidency in the 2027 election.

“Walingoja baba yangu Raila akufe wakakuja wakaninyanganya kila kitu, siku hizi siitwi SG tena, siitwi naibu wa kiranja… lakini vijana wameniita na ninatoka kwa SG to H.E President,” he told the gathering.

The movement also used the event to endorse Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako for the Taita Taveta gubernatorial race.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino urged residents to support Mwashako in the next election.

“Mkitaka shida zenu zikishwe, chagueni huyu Mwashako kama gavana wenu,” Babu Owino said.

Cleve Gesairo also backed Mwashako’s bid, saying the legislator had already earned widespread support across the county.

Opposition realignment

The Linda Mwananchi movement’s decision comes as discussions continue over the future of the opposition after ODM joined the broad-based government arrangement.

On June 29, 2026, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa urged leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi who remain in ODM to leave the party and strengthen the opposition.

“ODM went into government. What we are saying is that ODM should leave government; if it does not, then those in ODM who believe in Linda Mwananchi should leave… and come back to the opposition so that we get back to the factory settings,” Wamalwa said.

He also called for a “Gen Zote” political approach that brings together young people and experienced leaders.

“The only way to victory is to have a Gen Zote approach,” he said.

The Taita Taveta visit adds to a series of mobilisation tours that have taken the Linda Mwananchi caravan to Kisumu, Vihiga, Nyamira and Kisii as the movement builds its national network ahead of the next general election.

Several leaders associated with the movement have already declared interest in various gubernatorial seats, including Babu Owino in Nairobi, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Vihiga and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka in Kisii.

The movement maintains that registering Linda Mwananchi as a political party is part of its preparations for the 2027 General Election, with leaders saying the new outfit will provide a platform for its candidates across the country.