News26 April 2026 - 07:55

Linda Mwananchi faction pays homage to Raila, Jaramogi ahead of Kisumu rally

“I went to see my Boss in Bondo ahead of tomorrow’s rally in Kisumu," Sifuna posted.

by PURITY WANGUI

Audio By Vocalize

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo have intensified their ground campaign, visiting key historical sites and signalling a major push in Nyanza as the Linda Mwananchi faction prepares for a high-stakes rally in Kisumu today.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other leaders allied to the faction were also present.

In separate posts on Saturday, Sifuna and Orengo invoked the legacy of the Odinga family.

Sifuna revealed he had visited his “Boss” in Bondo, saying: “I went to see my Boss in Bondo ahead of tomorrow’s (Sunday) rally in Kisumu. I have things to say.”

Orengo, who led the Linda Mwananchi team to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, posted: “Today, I led the Linda Mwananchi Movement to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi to honor the giants who paved the way. I returned to the roots of the struggle to pay homage to my mentor, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and my comrade, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga.

"Before we take the stage, we seek the blessings of our elders and the spirit of the revolution. The foundation is solid. The mission is clear. Kisumu, we are ready. See you tomorrow!”

The visits carry deep symbolic weight following the death of Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025, at age 80.

Raila passed away in Kerala, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk while receiving treatment. His death created a massive leadership vacuum in ODM and Nyanza politics, triggering intense realignments.

In the months after Raila’s passing, a fierce power struggle erupted within ODM.

A faction aligned with Raila’s brother, Oburu Oginga, moved closer to President William Ruto’s government.

Out of this turmoil emerged the Linda Mwananchi movement, a faction led by Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo, Babu Owino, and Godfrey Osotsi.

The group positions itself as the true custodian of ODM’s original ideals of social justice, equity, and opposition politics. It has rejected what it calls “compromise politics” and has been touring the country, drawing large crowds while challenging the mainstream ODM leadership.

Sifuna’s position as Secretary-General remains legally contested after the party’s NEC attempted to remove him earlier in 2026.

Court orders have kept him in office pending internal processes, allowing the Linda Mwananchi team to operate under the ODM banner while building parallel structures.

Tomorrow’s Kisumu rally is expected to be a major show of strength for the faction in Raila’s traditional stronghold, coming hot on the heels of successful events in Nakuru and Vihiga.

Political observers say the gathering could further widen the rift in ODM and shape the 2027 political landscape.