The Linda Mwananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has declared it will not be intimidated as it rolls out a nationwide mobilisation campaign aimed at defending the rights of ordinary Kenyans.
Thousands of supporters gathered at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega County for a high-energy rally led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Linda Mwananchi Tour, a political movement they say will traverse the country despite resistance and security concerns.
Leaders Address Supporters at Amalemba Grounds
Among the leaders who addressed the crowd were:
- Babu Owino
- James Orengo
- Godfrey Osotsi
- Richard Onyonka
The leaders emphasized that the Linda Mwananchi movement is focused on championing the interests of citizens across Kenya. According to them, the mobilisation drive will extend beyond Western Kenya to regions including the Coast, Turkana, and Kisumu.
Orengo launched a sharp critique against unnamed political actors, accusing them of attempting to destabilize ODM, the party associated with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“He wants to kill Raila Odinga’s party. The Secretary-General of ODM remains Edwin Sifuna. This movement that has begun here in Kakamega will go all the way to the Coast, Turkana and Kisumu,” Orengo said.
ODM’s 10-Point Agenda and Coalition Stand
The Siaya Governor reiterated that Raila Odinga’s political vision remains anchored on a 10-point agenda designed to safeguard democratic governance and devolution.
He further referenced a memorandum of understanding (MoU), stating that ODM cannot enter into a coalition arrangement with any other political party under its current framework.
The remarks come amid ongoing political realignments within Kenya’s opposition landscape.
Security Concerns and Teargas Incident
The rally proceeded largely peacefully despite earlier warnings from Isaak Mahoud, who claimed security agencies had received intelligence that some individuals planning to attend could be armed.
Tension briefly flared when a teargas canister was lobbed into the crowd as Sifuna began addressing supporters. The incident triggered temporary panic, but leaders quickly urged calm.
Sifuna maintained that the movement would not be derailed by intimidation.
“I want to tell you why I am being targeted. It is because I keep reminding William Ruto that he had an agreement with Raila Odinga to respect the rights of the people, including devolution,” Sifuna said, referring to President William Ruto.
Supporters regrouped, and the rally resumed under heightened security presence.
Tribute to Kitengela Victim
In a solemn moment, the leaders paused the gathering to play the national anthem in honour of a man who was killed during the faction’s rally in Kitengela the previous Sunday. The crowd observed a moment of silence in his memory.
The tribute underscored the tense political climate surrounding the Linda Mwananchi Tour.
Babu Owino Questions Government Promises
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino used the platform to challenge the government over unfulfilled promises aimed at empowering small-scale traders and youth.
“They promised that a boda boda rider would graduate from a motorcycle to owning a matatu. Who here owns a matatu? They said a mama mboga would own a supermarket. Who here owns a supermarket?” Owino posed to the crowd.
He insisted that the movement would persist regardless of obstacles.
“Teargas cannot stop it. Hot water cannot stop it. The government cannot stop it. It must continue.”
What Next for the Linda Mwananchi Movement?
The Linda Mwananchi Tour signals renewed political mobilisation within ODM as internal and external pressures mount. With leaders pledging to take the campaign nationwide, the movement is poised to shape Kenya’s political discourse in the coming months.
As tensions rise and alliances shift, all eyes will be on how the ODM faction navigates resistance while sustaining grassroots support across the country.
