ODM Rift Exposed as Orengo, Sifuna Lead Anti-UDA “Linda Mwananchi” Tour

Wrangles within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) were laid bare on Sunday during the launch of the Linda Mwananchi grassroots tour in Busia County, where senior party leaders publicly rejected any cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking at the rally on 8 February 2025, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna led a faction opposing talks or alliances with the ruling coalition. They urged supporters to resist efforts they said were aimed at drawing ODM into a political accommodation with UDA.

Governor Orengo said the party should prepare to contest the 2027 General Election independently and field its own presidential candidate. He maintained that ODM had the capacity to form the next government without external support.

Orengo criticised what he described as “political brokerage” within the party, accusing unnamed individuals of attempting to trade ODM’s influence for personal advantage. He warned that such actions undermined the party’s grassroots support.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino echoed the confrontational stance, cautioning the party leadership against disciplining or expelling members who oppose cooperation with the government. He said he was ready to face a by-election if necessary, signalling that the faction was prepared to accept political risks rather than compromise its position.

The Linda Mwananchi tour marks the most organised expression so far of internal opposition to recent engagements between sections of ODM’s leadership and the government. Some members of the party’s central management committee have argued that early negotiations with UDA could help secure political influence and access to resources ahead of the next election.

However, the group aligned with Orengo and Sifuna argues that any such cooperation would weaken ODM’s role as an opposition party and erode public trust. They insist the party must remain independent to effectively hold the government to account.