By Anderson Ojwang
It is apparently becoming clearer day by day that the James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino-led faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is already implementing its exit strategy.
Similarly, the Dr Oburu Oginga-led faction of Linda Ground is left chasing the fantasies of “Pawa” (tunataka pawa) and losing ground and support base, sadly missing in recent opinion poll rankings on popularity.
After months of court battles at the Political Parties Tribunal Court, which recently gave its verdict on ODM’s sacking of Secretary General Sifuna, Linda Mwananchi is now prepared to exit and begin life in a new home.
How the plot began
The trio of Orengo, Sifuna and Babu became the militant and rebellious wing of the party leader, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, in his exit plan should the broad-based alliance between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of President William Ruto fail to work ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Raila’s legal advisor, Mr Paul Mwangi, Raila’s exit strategy from the union was the militant wing of Sifuna, and that is why he never castigated his divergent views on the broad-based government.
Eventually, in Raila’s plot, in his absence, the seed he planted has germinated and is causing political tremors in the country.
Siaya precedent-setting plot
Linda Mwananchi used the cabinet changes in Siaya not only to stamp authority and make a fresh start but also to birth a new vehicle.
For many, Orengo’s cabinet changes were normal administrative duties, but in reality, they were cutting off the umbilical cord which tied his faction to ODM for a fresh beginning.
Siaya set a new precedent and a new political dispensation in the post-Raila Amolo Odinga era, with Governor James Orengo’s people’s cabinet getting a nod from the county assembly.
Orengo buried the old political order and power arrangement, leaving him the sole wielder of power in Siaya County Government.
The appointment excludes allies of the Linda Ground faction and gives a fresh start to the Linda Mwananchi wing, which now calls the shots in the county.
Ending the Oburu–Raila dominance plot
For decades, Siaya has been the political heartland of the Odinga family, a region where loyalty to Raila Odinga and Dr Oburu Oginga defined both politics and power. County appointments, contracts, and alignments flowed through that network.
But Orengo’s recent moves have disrupted that tradition. The governor is now perceived as building his own power base, one that no longer depends on approval from the Odinga inner circle.
Reconnect with Raila’s spirit plot
Ahead of the Kisumu rally, the team made an emotional return and reconnection with the spirit of Raila at Kango Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
Six months after his burial, Raila’s militant wing of ODM paid homage at his graveside to draw inspiration for their new political dispensation.
The teary and emotional moment saw some of the Linda Mwananchi brigades break down while others looked sad and disoriented by the reality of coming back to the graveside of Raila.
The historic move by Linda Mwananchi caught their opponents, Linda Ground, napping and could be a turning point in their power struggle.
Linda Ground is yet to pay homage to Raila’s graveside, and the move by their opponents caught them napping and left them punctured.
Sifuna said it was the first time in six months after Raila’s burial that he had made a return to Kango Ka Jaramogi to reconnect with his mentor.
“It is my first time coming back here since we buried my boss six months ago. It has been a difficult six months for all of us. I do not know what to say. I honestly miss my boss,” he said.
Orengo said they paid homage to Raila to reconnect and for spiritual inspiration.
“Today, I led the Linda Mwananchi Movement to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi to honour 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,” he said.
Orengo said the visit was meant to seek blessings from Raila and the doyen of opposition politics, the late Jaramogi Oginga 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!” he wrote on his social media platforms.
The Tribunal Court plot
The move by the Oburu wing to allegedly sack Sifuna provided the faction with the opportunity to implement the exit strategy and win the masses to their side.
When Oburu sacked Sifuna, the wing immediately announced a rally for that weekend in Kitengela, and they unveiled the name Linda Mwananchi.
The rally, which was well attended, marked the birth of a new political outfit which has been traversing the country holding successful and organic rallies.
The Tribunal Court ruled that ODM did not follow procedure in sacking Sifuna as Secretary General. The ruling was the campaign and exit strategy machine they needed as they prepare for life without ODM.
For Oburu, even if ODM moves to sack Sifuna again, it will be an exercise in futility.
Defacto party leader plot
The declaration by Orengo as the de facto leader was a strategic move as he recreated the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s young Turks. In Orengo’s move, he is removing Babu, Sifuna, and others from the political storm and mentoring them for new leadership positions in the 2027 elections.
Implementation
Linda Mwananchi has successfully drawn up its plot and is now in the execution stage, having successfully implemented its strategies.
Receive new members and strategic engagement
Orengo has been meeting and receiving aspirants, members, and other political formations.
From Nairobi, Orengo met with Faith Odhiambo: “Faith Odhiambo is a proven defender of justice whose fearless stand for Gen Z and peaceful protestors showed the true meaning of leadership. Her decision to join the Linda Mwananchi movement is a monumental win for women’s leadership and our collective struggle for the ordinary citizen. Her bid for Nairobi Woman Representative comes at the perfect time. Nairobians deserve an incorruptible voice, and Faith is exactly that. Welcome to the movement, Faith. Together, we are going to deliver a just and accountable capital city,” he wrote.
To Kisii County, it was former MP Omingo Magara: “It is always strategic to have seasoned political figures like Hon. Omingo Magara in the room. As a founding member of ODM, PDP Party Leader, and a veteran of both Kisii and national politics, he brings a deep wealth of institutional knowledge and grassroots experience to the table. Building and strengthening a movement requires exactly this kind of continuous engagement, bridging established political networks with forward-looking strategies,” he wrote.
To Kilifi, Orengo netted: “Kilifi is a county of incredible wealth and potential, waiting for the perfect reset. Under the right leadership, the resilient people of Kilifi will rise and make their voices heard. A huge welcome to Karisa Fagio as you launch your bid for Governor; your technical expertise is a massive asset to our team. A warm welcome also to Mama Juliet Riziki Baya (Kachachawa), Women Rep aspirant; your presence is a major win for all Kilifi women. Kulinda Mwananchi ni Kulinda Kenya,” he wrote.
And to the Maa community in Narok, he rocked ODM and wrote: “Welcome, Torome Nalengoyo (‘Kaza Roho’), the Chairman of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for Narok County.”
Actualising
Now Linda Mwananchi is actualising its political game plan by meeting local outfit leaders and aspirants in Mombasa.
In a post, Orengo will today hold a consultative meeting with county Mwananchi officials and aspirants.
In an advert, Linda Mwananchi made a call for aspirants, which read: “All aspirants aligned with Linda Mwananchi in Mombasa County are invited to submit their details.”
“Honoured to welcome Samir Shahbal to our team. He brings unmatched technical expertise and deep roots as a major stakeholder in Mombasa and the Coast. Building on the incredible legacy of his father, Suleiman Shahbal, Samir’s entry locks in a winning formula for our team. The tide is turning. It is time for change, and we are ready to deliver it.”
The next phase
It is only a matter of time before Linda Mwananchi unveils the new political kid on the bloc.
