Linda Mwananchi Heads to Vihiga as Orengo and Oburu Fight for Party Leader Position

The Linda Mwananchi group is set for a busy weekend of activities in the Western and Nyanza regions, beginning in Vihiga on Saturday April 25,2026.

The team will be led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi among others.

The Vihiga rally will play curtain raiser for the much-awaited trip to Kisumu on Sunday April 26,2026,which has come under heavy criticism from a section of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Linda Ground members.

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi on Friday April 24,2026 cautioned the team against what he said was disrespecting ODM party leader Oburu Oginga.

Addressing a roadside rally in Kisumu, Atandi accused the Linda Mwananchi group of dragging the region back into the opposition, while instead pointing to government-led development projects.

The legislator rallied residents to accompany him to the Sunday rally, which will be held at Owuor Grounds in Kisumu, where President William Ruto launched the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line in March.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja previously confirmed that the Linda Mwananchi group will be allowed to hold a safe political rally in Kisumu amid concerns over rising cases of goon attacks at public gatherings.

Speaking before the Senate Defence Committee following Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi’s attack on Thursday, IG Kanja said the police force is cracking down on rising cases of goon attacks and has intensified security operations.

Orengo Declares Himself “People’s Party Leader”

Tensions within ODM have escalated further after Governor James Orengo declared himself the “people’s party leader” within ODM, accusing the current party leadership of undermining the legacy of the late Raila Odinga.

Speaking in Kisumu on Friday, April 24, 2026, Orengo claimed that the Linda Mwananchi faction remains the last “steady wheel” holding together the Orange party, which he said is under growing threat from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

“ODM is being sold to our political enemies so I will stand firm…Orengo is the people’s party leader within ODM to make sure ODM is not swallowed, and secondly to make sure that the legacy and the achievements of Raila Amollo Odinga are not destroyed,” he said.

He further insisted that Linda Mwananchi is a corrective movement within the Orange party aimed at safeguarding its unity amid what he described as growing external interference.

“This is a tsunami…this is a people’s movement…and we come in peace, and we preach the language of peace. Linda Mwananchi is a caucus and a group and a movement within the ODM party,” added Orengo.

Also Read: Blow to Ruto as ODM Names Its Presidential Candidate for 2027

Oburu Pushes Back, Rejects Leadership Claims

In a sharp response, ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga dismissed Orengo’s claims, insisting that he was duly elected by ODM members and his mandate is legitimate and binding.

Oburu said he will not resign, bow to pressure, or be intimidated by any individual or faction within the party.

“I don’t 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,” said Oburu.

He also accused Sifuna of defying party structures in what he termed an attempt to cling to office.

“You have no right to come out yourself and start opposing the same resolutions which are passed in your presence…and which you have yourself come out as the SG of the party and read out to people,” he said.

“Sifuna has refused to follow party channels to defend his position. How can he still claim that office? Is that possible?”

Also Read: Ruto and Oburu Unveil New Committee, Here Are the Members and Roles

Mbadi Insists ODM-UDA Alliance Remains Stable

Despite the internal tensions, leaders have downplayed fears of a fallout within ODM and its cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), insisting the broad-based alliance remains intact.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said, “Those who think the ODM-UDA union will collapse are dreaming. So long as we’re still there, ODM and UDA will work together up to 2027 and beyond.”

Western Kenya Leaders Issue Warning Over Inclusion

Elsewhere in Kakamega County, leaders from Western Kenya have issued a stern warning to the Linda Ground group, accusing it of sidelining regional voices and threatening to withdraw support if they are excluded from key leadership decisions.

Cooperatives & MSMEs CS Wycliffe Oparanya said: “This time, don’t take us for granted. Raila respected us…those now in leadership must do the same, or we say goodbye.”

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