By Anderson Ojwang
It is a weekend of double header for the Linda Mwananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as they head to both Vihiga and Kisumu counties for rallies of reconnaissance and a show of might.
For Linda Mwananchi, it will be a rally to showcase might and the battle for Nyanza’s heart, Kisumu city, the political barometer of the region.
But for Linda Ground, the double header is causing panic and confusion with the growing wave and strength of the opponents.
Linda Ground of the ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga is already panicking, with the Chairman of the Budget Committee in the National Assembly, Mr Sam Atandi, saying the team was not allowed in Kisumu.
Atandi wrote on his X handle: “No imposter will be allowed into Kisumu. Kisumu city must remain a peaceful city.”
Interestingly, as a sign of panic in the faction, during the Nairobi youth convention, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga paraded some youths claiming they had defected from Linda Mwananchi to Linda Ground.
Wanga said there were some youths who switched camps but finally have returned to the fold, and we want to welcome them back.
“These were some youths who lost direction. They lost hope and went out of the political lane. But they have realized the party is ODM, and they are back home. Let’s welcome them back,” she said.
One of the youths, Ben Sirkal, said they were in ODM but got confused and went to the other faction but have returned to the party.
“Oburu Odinga is our party leader. That other faction has disrespected our party leader. We have resolved to return to the fold, and we will be here until further notice,” they said.
This Saturday, it will be the first time Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi will be making a return to Western Kenya after his recent attack by goons at a Kisumu restaurant, subsequent admission at Kisumu Aga Khan Hospital, before he was flown to Nairobi’s Karen Hospital.
For the residents of Vihiga, it will be a homecoming for the senator after he narrowly escaped death and his recent sacking as deputy party leader of ODM.
Already, three of the goons who attacked Osotsi have been charged in a Kisumu court and were released on a bond of Sh1 million each, while 14 others have escaped to neighboring countries.
Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government was working with authorities in neighboring countries to have the suspects arrested.
“We will arrest the 14 suspects. They will be the first example to show that violence doesn’t pay,” he said.
For the Kisumu rally, it will be a battle royale over the control of the politics of the lake city after Siaya Governor James Orengo over the weekend in Nakuru declared that he had ousted Senator Oburu Oginga as the party leader.
Orengo, speaking in Nakuru during the Linda Mwananchi rally, claimed that he had ousted Oburu from the seat for failing to steer the party forward and adequately prepare for the 2027 general election.
“We know the Secretary General of ODM is Edwin Sifuna, and because Oburu is unable, now Orengo is the acting party leader of ODM. Thank you,” he said.
Equally, Kisumu will be a turning point in the political path and terrain of Linda Mwananchi as top politicians from Nyanza who have been neutral are expected to show up and align with the movement.
For Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino, a resident of Nyalenda and an alumnus of Kisumu Boys High School, the Sunday Linda Mwananchi rally will be a litmus test for his political grip in the city.
Orengo has for the last one week been holding private and public engagements in Kisumu town and Ahero to mobilize support for the rally.
Kisumu is the political barometer of Nyanza and influences the politics in the region, and with the demise of Raila Amolo Odinga, a leadership vacuum over the control of the city has emerged.
Orengo has a wide network in Kisumu town, having fought for control of the town with the late Raila during his Mageuzi crusades.
Orengo wrote on his social media handles: “Nakuru, you were incredible! The energy was unmatched. Get ready, Kisumu on Sunday the 26th, we’re bringing that same fire. Expect nothing but WADAGI energy. Kisumo WABIRO!”
Osotsi also wrote on his social handle: “All are welcome as the Linda Mwananchi brigade traverses Vihiga County while making stopovers at designated towns and to a mega rally at Mumboha in Luanda Constituency.”
The battle for Kisumu will peak with the Sunday rally, and for Linda Ground, they must move to contain the slump and avoid slipping into political oblivion.
Equally, with the changing political terrain in Nyanza and residents becoming more accommodating to Linda Mwananchi, it is just a matter of time before the majority of sitting MPs cross over.
