A major internal conflict within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has created a political crisis for the party as its leaders initiate an alternative election campaign, which they use to oppose their alliance with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) before the upcoming 2027 general election.
On Sunday, February 8, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino launched a “Linda Mwananchi” grassroots tour in Busia County, which represented the most important internal conflict within ODM since the death of its leader, who had held the position for many years.
The faction’s initial public gathering issued a clear political demand, which required ODM to stop all UDA partnerships while developing its own unique political strategy. Orengo warned that party elements entertaining negotiations or political accommodation with the ruling party would betray the movement’s core supporters. “ODM must form the next government and must have a presidential candidate,” he said while rejecting all merger and power-sharing proposals, which he believed would doom the party in elections.
Sifuna reinforced the breakaway stance by invoking the legacy of the late Raila Odinga while accusing his rivals of prioritizing personal gain above party principles. The rebel leaders delivered passionate speeches that urged grassroots members to reject all ODM officials who maintained close ties with the extensive government coalition because this practice would result in a party division.
This insurgent group movement directly opposes an internal faction within ODM, which supports ongoing talks with UDA after the party’s central management committee showed willingness to consider pre-election negotiations. Party insiders say the two outreach programs, which operate as “Linda Ground” and “Linda Mwananchi,” now represent different strategic paths that ODM will pursue in upcoming elections.
Critics argue the rebellion will destroy ODM’s electoral power because it will divide their voting base between essential electoral areas and it will reduce their ability to negotiate coalitions. The party faces internal disputes that involve discipline issues, funding transparency problems, and control of party structures.
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