‘We are ready to die’ – Orengo dares police as parallel ODM meeting is interrupted
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, March 27, 2026Siaya County Governor James Orengo has openly challenged police authorities not to interfere with the Linda Mwananchi Group meeting being held at Ufungamano House, describing it as lawful, peaceful, and a legitimate exercise of democratic rights.
The gathering is meant to counter the Orange Democratic Movement National Delegates Convention taking place at Jamhuri Park, highlighting the deepening rift within the party.
Speaking at Ufungamano House on Friday, March 27, 2026, Orengo has issued a warning to the police not to disrupt their meeting, as it is lawful and peaceful. The governor insisted that the faction’s meeting would proceed without any disruption, framing it as a peaceful demonstration of the people’s will.
He accused the opposing faction of attempting to monopolise party processes and warned that any interference would be viewed as an affront to democracy itself.
“We are telling the police that if there is a day we are going to die for our country, it is today,” Oreno said.
ODM National Delegates Convention
The Linda Mwananchi’s faction of the ODM party is holding an event dubbed the “People’s Convention” at Ufungamano House in a show of the growing intra-party tension within ODM, which is holding its National Delegates Convention at Jamhuri Park.
The two factions have been seen to publicly challenge one another for legitimacy and control over party structures. The parallel meetings highlight a battle for the party’s soul, with grassroots mobilisation playing a key role.
Security agencies have been placed on high alert to prevent the Linda Mwanachi factions’ meeting from happening. However, Orengo emphasised that his group will adhere strictly to lawful and peaceful conduct, urging supporters to remain calm and disciplined.
The showdown between the Linda Mwananchi faction and the main ODM leadership could have far-reaching consequences, potentially redefining party dynamics and influencing leadership decisions ahead of the next general elections. With emotions running high, today’s developments are being closely watched by both party loyalists and national political commentators.
Heavy police presence has sealed off Ufungamano House, blocking access to a planned meeting by the Linda Mwananchi faction of the party.