The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is experiencing growing internal competition as rival factions step up grassroots mobilisation campaigns in a bid to shape the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The contest pits a group aligned to ODM leader Oburu Oginga, which appears supportive of continued cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration, against the emerging “Linda Mwananchi” movement associated with ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.
Both camps have launched separate mobilisation drives across the country, highlighting deepening political manoeuvring within the party as discussions over future alliances gather momentum.
At a Central Management Committee meeting held on Monday, leaders allied to Dr Oginga resolved to strengthen recruitment efforts and increase county-level engagements. Sources within the party say the strategy is intended to reinforce ODM structures while assessing potential coalition arrangements ahead of the next election.
The faction has already held meetings in Homa Bay and Kwale, attracting senior party and government officials. During the Kwale gathering, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir urged residents to support President Ruto’s re-election bid, arguing that continuity would promote stability and development.
Governor Nassir cautioned against “empty rhetoric” and personality-driven politics, saying leadership should prioritise practical solutions and service delivery.
In Homa Bay, Governor Gladys Wanga, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo rallied support for the government while calling for unity within the party.
A youth-focused forum is also scheduled for Busia on June 28 as part of efforts to strengthen ODM structures and discuss economic opportunities for young people.
Meanwhile, the Sifuna-linked Linda Mwananchi faction has embarked on a nationwide campaign covering at least 24 counties ahead of a major rally planned for Nairobi in September. The event is expected to determine the group’s political direction heading into the 2027 elections.
The movement has already held rallies in several counties, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Busia, Narok, Kakamega, Vihiga, Machakos and Kajiado, signalling its growing reach within ODM’s traditional support base.
Party insiders, among them Mr Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, say the exercise is aimed at collecting views from grassroots supporters before finalising the faction’s political strategy.
Speaking about the ongoing consultations, Mr Osotsi said: “We want to listen to the people before making a declaration for 2027.”
He added: “A major Nairobi rally in September will set out our agenda and plans for 2027.”
The group’s upcoming itinerary includes rallies in Kisii, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kilifi, Kwale, Eldoret and parts of Nyanza as organisers seek to expand their influence beyond ODM strongholds.
The faction has also attracted several prominent political figures, including Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter, former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
At the same time, speculation continues to grow over a possible alliance between Linda Mwananchi and the broader opposition coalition led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Mr Gachagua this week began a 45-day consultation programme at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri aimed at building consensus around a single opposition presidential candidate.
During a recent rally in Machakos, Mr Sifuna suggested that opposition unity would be crucial in challenging President Ruto in 2027.
“If Kalonzo goes to the presidential ballot alone, he can still defeat Ruto. If Sifuna goes alone, he can still beat Ruto. However, to make the work easier, we have to unite. We want to give this person one team,” he said.
Although Mr Sifuna has not publicly declared whether he intends to seek the presidency or defend his Nairobi Senate seat, his increasing national profile has fuelled speculation about a possible role on a future opposition ticket.
Recent polling by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) indicated that a Kalonzo Musyoka-Edwin Sifuna ticket would attract significant support among opposition voters, ranking just behind a Kalonzo-Matiang’i combination.
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