By Anderson Ojwang

The late Raila Amolo Odinga was a man who liked and cherished refined and classy things. From his attire to décor and to well-planned and organised fora, everything flowed and synced with Raila’s taste and class. He was specific about details, and that is why his forums went smoothly.

That is why, for over a decade, Raila relied on DJ Spice to energise the crowd and control the tempo and rhythm of the rallies through his musical mix.

DJ Spice understood Raila’s taste and the music applicable to a specific audience, and indeed he kept Raila and the crowd alive. The crowd went wild, glued and expectant for Raila’s moment at the podium.

But for his elder brother, Dr Oburu Oginga, the current ODM party leader, it has been a wobble—confusion, disorganisation and a complete contrast to Raila’s forums.

In his Linda Ground rallies, Oburu and his team have been left exposed by the poor show of their DJs, who have failed to up their game and have left the party leader frustrated and lamenting.

“Wapi JJ, DJ, DJ hakuna DJ, DJ ako wapi,” and then he sings “Leo ni leo,” then reverts, “DJ hakuna, leo ni leo,” as the crowd bursts into laughter.

In a recent interview with Citizen Digital, DJ Spice said he was now allied to Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi group, declaring his unwavering support for the splinter group and revealing that, even before joining the Sifuna-led brigade, he had not been playing at the Linda Ground rallies anyway.

“I had been away from Linda Ground for long. I didn’t play at the Homa Bay rallies or elsewhere. It suddenly became an issue after I joined Edwin Sifuna in Busia. I’m fully affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi team!” he said.

But the Oburu faction’s Secretary General, Catherine Omanya, wrote on her X handle, “Tuko na DJ. The new ODM DJs are DJ Ibra and DJ Pinto Cahil,” which drew mixed reactions in the comment section.

Some wrote, “Kindly heal; you are posting some rookie DJs from who knows where, always cheapening the discussion at every turn.”

Apart from Sifuna walking away with Raila’s crowd gem, the Linda Mwananchi faction is also taking away members, leaving Oburu with the party organs.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino recently summed it up at a Kitengela rally, saying that Oburu and his team have the party while they have the members.

“Today they have the party, but we have the party members. When they go to State House, do they tell you? They go alone. They are trying to threaten us, but they cannot manage us,” he said.

Siaya Governor James Orengo, in comparing the Kitengela and Mombasa rallies by the two factions, said the genuine ODM members were in Kitengela and that those in Mombasa should refund President Ruto his money.

“Watu wa ODM ambao wako Mombasa warudishie Ruto pesa zake. (Those ODM members should refund Ruto his money.) ODM members and leaders are here in Kitengela,” he said.

Could Oburu be on a long losing streak to the Linda Mwananchi faction ahead of the National Delegates Conference?

By Anderson Ojwang

Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o broke his silence and delivered a hard-hitting statement demanding that the party must remain true to its core values in the current context.

Nyong’o, a founder member and the first Secretary General of ODM, said the party must remain united and be ready to form the next government.

Nyong’o wrote on his social media platforms, “As a founding member of ODM and the Party’s pioneer Secretary General; policies and principles custodian, I urge for unity and mutual respect within the party ranks. The party leadership and members have to remain steadfast in the party’s core values of democracy, inclusivity and social justice for the people,”

From the content and context, Nyong’o delved into the current power struggle in the party, which pits Linda Ground, led by party leader Oburu Oginga and ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, among others, against Linda Wananchi, led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo and Babu Owino, by making reference to the core values.

The differences in the party have been brought about by the proposed pre-election coalition pact with President William Ruto’s UDA party, which is supported by Oburu’s wing, while Sifuna’s faction is opposed to it, arguing that the party’s values are in contrast to those of UDA.

ODM is built on core values of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law within a pluralistic society. The party is committed to fostering national unity, peace, and stability, with a focus on upholding social justice and democratic ideals.

Key aspects of the ODM core values include:

Democratic Governance: Establishing a government based on democratic principles.
Rule of Law: Promoting and upholding the rule of law.
National Unity & Stability: Fostering peace, stability, and unity across the nation.
Social Justice: A commitment to serving the people through democratic ideals.

These principles guide the party’s actions, including its participation in broad-based government and its focus on, for example, strengthening the criminal justice system and supporting SMEs.

The democracy

The former ODM party leader, the late Raila Odinga, maintained that every party member has their constitutional and democratic right to express their view.

Raila, before his death, said in an NTV interview that he would support President William Ruto and a broad-based government up to 2027.

But a few days later, in a Citizen TV interview, Sifuna criticised the broad-based government and dismissed President Ruto’s administration, claiming the memorandum of understanding between ODM and UDA was dead.

The statement created a political storm in the party, and Raila, when he was in Kakamega for the party’s delegates’ meeting, came to the defence of Sifuna, saying the Secretary General was free to express himself and should not be vilified for exercising his constitutional right.

“It is not a must for people to have the same opinion, and we must defend the right to speak. If Sifuna has spoken, he has the right to do so, and if one feels they have a different opinion from what Sifuna is saying, then they should be free to say it. That is democracy,” Raila said then.

Oburu, after assuming the party leader position, reiterated Raila’s stand when he met Sifuna after a plot by Wanga and her team to sack him.

Oburu then described Sifuna as espousing the party’s democratic ideals.

“I met with my friend, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary General of the ODM Party, this morning. He remains a sober and principled voice, embodying the democratic ideals we believe in as a party,” he wrote on his X handle.

Oburu said the party was united and encouraged everyone to speak their mind, as that was the foundation upon which the party was formed.

“We are one. We are united as the ODM Party.

As a leader, I believe we must encourage everyone to speak their mind. Differences of opinion do not mean division. Great parties—like ODM—grow through robust debate and unique challenges.

That is where the progress and continuity of our party truly lie: in the hands of our young people.

Sisi ni chama cha mapinduzi. Tuko imara,” he wrote.

But he later changed tune and presided over the sacking of Sifuna at the National Executive Council (NEC) and replaced him with Catherine Omanyo.

“The minority will have their say, but the majority will have their way, and so those with dissenting voices must respect the wishes of the majority. Democracy must be guided,” he said.

Rule of law

Oburu, in total disregard of the rule of law, which is a key tenet of ODM values, maintained that Sifuna remains the court-recognised party Secretary General, while the Busia Woman Representative, Omanyo, was the party Secretary General.

Orengo said the sacking of Sifuna was unconstitutional and violated the party constitution, going against the party’s core value of respecting the rule of law.

“How can you remove a substantive party Secretary General while your appointment was an illegality? The plotters are in office illegally and do not have locus standi,” he said.

Social justice

In a recent explosive interview with Citizen TV, Winnie Odinga lamented what she termed as the desecration of the ODM creed.

Winnie first raised the red flag when she alluded to the fact that ODM was not formed from the comfort of pillow and bedroom talks, but from the streets, fighting for social justice, and that is what Raila stood for.

“I raised the statement out of concern that certain people and certain quarters are trying to achieve something which necessarily doesn’t stand for the creed of the ODM party, and perhaps want to take advantage of the situation for their own gain,” she said.

ODM as a movement, not a money machine

The party was formed as a movement to fight for social justice, and its activities were not based on financial might.

A former Deputy Party Leader expressed concern over how the love of money was destroying the party.

Oparanya recently said the love of money was destroying the party and leading to decisions that go against the grain.

“When I see what is currently happening in the ODM party, I was very close to the late Raila Amolo Odinga.

I am shocked. Money has destroyed the leaders. The leaders go to one place, say one thing, and shortly after say a contradictory one. Money has destroyed the minds of our leaders.

This was not predominant during Raila’s time. Raila had a stand, he said.

Sifuna recently revealed that the funds and resources being used in the ongoing Linda Ground engagement did not come from the party.

“The money and the resources you see being spent on the ODM rallies called Linda Ground do not come from ODM headquarters.

For me, I can only account for the monies because I am a signatory to the bank accounts, and Timothy Bosire is a signatory to the bank accounts. The last money we expended as ODM officially was for the celebration in Mombasa, and it was a fraction of what you saw there,”he said.

Sifuna said there was parallel funding of political activities in the party, and they do not know where the funds were coming from.

“For a fact, there is parallel funding for activities clothed in ODM colours, and they go around saying they are ODM delegates.

The Linda Ground activities are not financed from the ODM coffers and headquarters. There is no money that I executed a cheque for those activities,” he said.

Mama Ida Odinga recently appealed to the party leadership not to kill the party and asked the leadership to prioritise dialogue over wrangles to avoid disintegration and to preserve Raila’s legacy.

“It is my wish that we can preserve the party in his honour as a matter of service to our country. I want to appeal to those Baba left in the leadership of the party to reflect deeply and sincerely on his dreams for the party and for our country,” she said.

Nyong’o’s statement was pregnant with wisdom and called the factions to order and to return to ODM as a movement and not just a party.

By Habil Onyango.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on Friday, February 27,2026 declared the Office of her deputy vacant following the resignation of Oyugi Magwanga.

Magwanga used to serve as the County’s Deputy Governor until his resignation on Thursday, February 2026.

His resignation came amid tension between the County boss and her deputy which has seen Magwanga being out of office since November 2025.

“I acknowledge receipt of a letter dated 26 February 2026, from the Deputy Governor tending resignation from Office with immediate effect. I have formally accepted the said resignation,” reads the statement in parts.

“Pursuant to Article 181(1) of the constitution of Kenya 2010, and Section 32 C (b) of the County Government Act 2012, I hereby declare the Office of the Deputy Governor, Homa Bay County, vacant with effect from 26th February 2026,” stated Wanga.

According to the Governor, it is a matter of public record that before the 2022 General Elections the now former DG was a gubernatorial aspirant, however with the interest of ODM unity requested Magwanga to accept the running mate position, which he duly did.

She said that upon assuming Office, her administration entirely fulfilled the DGs constitutional role and further entrusted him with additional portfolio of County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock Development which was fully supported during his tenure.

The resignation letter cites “persistence and irreconcilable differences” it is however, imperative for the public to understand that a sustainable preoccupation with future political ambitions increasingly compromised the collective focus required in the Office of the DG,” reads the statement

“The people of Homa Bay are entitled to full time, undivided service from their executive leadership. It is also in public record that he opposed the ODM candidate in the Kasipul by election,” stated the ODM National Chairperson.

“This decision raised legitimate concerns about the unity of purpose and commitment to our shared mandate,” added Wanga.

“Notwithstanding, this administration has remained steadfast in delivering its mandate under my leadership, the County Government continues to uphold accountability, expand development across all wards and maintain institutional stability,” said Wanga.

The Governor however assured the residents that the County Government operations will proceed seamlessly and thanked the former DG for his service during his time in Office.

Magwanga however cited frustration from the County top leadership which said had prevented him from executing his duties as the DG.

“In 2022 I accepted the honor of serving as the running mate for Her Excellency Gladys Wanga after consultations presided over by the late former Prime Minister and ODM party leader Raila Odinga,” he stated.

“Following our electoral victory, I was sworn in with a solemn commitment to serve the people of Homa Bay County faithfully, diligently and in full obedience to the constitution of Kenya,” he said.

“Today after a deep reflection and consultation with leaders, supporters and my family, I have resolved to resigned from the office of the Deputy Governor with immediate effect,” reads the statement.

Magwanga has already declared his interest in running for the County’s top seat comes 2027 general elections.

According to the former Kasipul MP, since he assumed the office, he has endeavored to discharge his mandate with integrity and loyalty to the people of Homa Bay, however when it reached December 2025,he was denied access to his official office after the locks were changed without formal communication.

“I was consequently compelled to proceed on early annual leave under circumstances that were not voluntary,” stated Magwanga.

Magwanga said that upon the expiry of his leave which lapsed up to January 2026, he remained locked out and was unable to resume his official duties.

“While taking an official duty in Nairobi, the office vehicle assigned to my office was repossessed without prior notice,” alleged Magwanga.

“I firmly believe that public office is a sacred trust .I cannot ,in good conscience continue to earn a salary funded by the taxpayers of Homa Bay County while being deliberately prevented from perfomig the work they elected me to do,” said Magwanga.

“After deep reflection and consultation, I have concluded that it is neither tenable nor honorable for me to remain in office under these prevailing circumstances,” he stated.

Magwanga assured the people of Homa Bay of his commitment to justice, accountability and the advancement of their development and democratic ideals.

“I leave office with conscience clear and my commitment to the people of Homa Bay County unwavering. My resolve to advocate for integrity, proper management of public resources, and the fulfilment of the aspirations of our County remains stronger than ever,” said Magwanga

The rift between Magwanga and his boss, Governor Gladys Wanga, who also serves as the ODM National Chairperson, developed during the Kasipul by-election.

In that election, Magwanga supported independent candidate Philip Aroko against the party’s chosen candidate, Boyd Were.

Following the election, Wanga relieved Magwanga of his duties as the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock Development just days after Were won the by-election.

By Anderson Ojwang

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) suffered a humiliating defeat in Kakamega County in the Kabras West ward by-election after the party candidate garnered a paltry 30 votes.

The ODM candidate, Edward Inzofu Indumli, came last in the by-election, which was won by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of President William Ruto with 3,381 votes.

Elphas Kainanga Shalaka won the by-election and was closely followed by Bramwel Wasike Mukhana of DCP, allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who received 2,592 votes.

Kakamega has been the political bedroom of the late Raila Amolo Odinga, and ODM has been the dominant party in the county.

With Raila’s death, UDA and President Ruto are gaining a foothold while ODM is experiencing diminishing returns and may be rendered a peripheral party ahead of next year’s General Election.

Currently, the party is embroiled in a power struggle pitting the faction aligned to party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga under Linda Ground—comprising National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, deputy party leaders Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Nassir, Director of Elections Junet Mohammed, among others—against the Linda Mwananchi faction.

The Linda Mwananchi faction comprises Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Deputy Party Leader Geoffrey Osotsi, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, among others.

The humbling defeat of the ODM candidate is a wake-up call to Oburu’s wing over the dwindling fortunes of the party, 140 days after the death of its founder, Raila.

The Oburu faction has presided over political divisions in the county occasioned by disputes over party leadership.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa claims to be the party’s county chairman, while Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, who enjoys the support of Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, also lays claim to the position.

Last month, Oburu and his Linda Ground team were forced to attend two parallel rallies in the county. From Butere, Oburu proceeded to Kakamega, where Governor Barasa was holding a parallel Linda Ground delegates’ meeting.

Oburu said in Kakamega:

“I was invited to Butere, and I went to eat breakfast. But when I reached there, I found people saying they were the bona fide delegates.

We spoke and addressed them because rightly they are our people. I was with Oparanya—can you see him around so that we can resolve this matter? Is Oparanya around? He left by chopper.

We want one Kakamega. I have spoken with Chairman Barasa. He has no problem, and he wants a united Kakamega,” he said.

However, Oparanya posted on his X handle: “I was honored to host the ODM party leader, Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, alongside other national leaders, during the ODM delegates’ consultative forum held at Mabole Primary School grounds in Butere Sub-County, Kakamega County.

The consultative forum brought together party leadership and delegates for open engagement, reflection, and dialogue on issues that matter to the people and the future of inclusive development.”

Junet declared that, according to records with the elections board, Barasa was the Kakamega County ODM chairman.

“I want to make a clarification on behalf of the party. In ODM, I am the Director of Elections. In the ODM books, the chairman is Ferdinand Barasa. That is the position. I know there is a dispute, but it will be listened to,” he said.

He added that the matter was discussed at the party’s Central Committee and resolved that Barasa was the chairman.

“Those on the other side are also ODM members. They are our people. We must run the party from the true position. This matter was discussed in the Central Committee, and it was resolved that the Elections Board had declared Barasa as the chairman,” he said.

The confusion could have played a major role in the ODM mauling and now leaves the party in limbo as UDA gains ground.

Last week, the Linda Mwananchi faction held a successful rally that was organic and marked a major turning point in the region’s politics.

Ahead of the meeting, President Ruto invited all elected MPs from the county for a consultative meeting, but none of them joined the meeting.

After successful Busia and Kitengela Linda Mwananchi tours and emerging pressure from Kakamega, the team comprising Siaya Governor James Orengo, Babu Owino, Caroli Omondi, Geoffrey Osotsi, Caleb Amisi, among others, yielded to the demand for what is billed as the mother of all rallies.

President Ruto, on his X handle, said he engaged MPs from Kakamega County at State House, Nairobi, on matters of development.

“Our discussions centered on accelerating development projects, including affordable housing, modern markets, road upgrades, the expansion of Kakamega Airport, completion of Bukhungu Stadium, and deepening access to electricity and water, among others.

We undertake to work with all leaders, irrespective of their political persuasions, to move our country forward and leave no one behind,” he wrote.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi said the Linda Mwananchi tour is scheduled for Saturday and urged the Luhya community to turn up in large numbers.

He wrote on his X handle: “Mbale Town and Kakamega Town, mko tayari. Saturday, 21st February 2026. Kenya needs renaissance.”

On President Ruto’s meeting with MPs from the county, Amisi questioned whether the political pressure on President Ruto was increasing or decreasing.

By Team

The ODM and the Siaya County Government’s “political lapdog” on Wednesday stoked a war between Governor James Orengo and his former allies, now rivals in the Linda Ground faction, in the emerging political battle within the party.

At the Linda Ground function in Kisumu East, presided over by ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, the political lapdog, Richard Omondi Odhiambo, alias Makamu wa Makumu, burst the war open by openly attacking Orengo, who is his employer.

Omondi, once a darling of Orengo but who switched camps in the new emerging political realignment in ODM headed by party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga, Wanga, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Alego MP Sam Atandi, among other leaders from the region, found himself swallowing more than he could chew.

After the rally, Omondi received a suspension letter captioned “Notice of Suspension and Mandatory Show Cause.”

“This office is notified of an incident during a public political activity within Kisumu County on 25th February 2026 at which you uttered unsavory, derogatory, insulting, and disrespectful remarks in reference to the person of H.E. James Orengo, the Governor of Siaya County.

Your actions in this regard amount to gross misconduct, inconceivable insubordination, and flagrant breach of Section 16 of the Public Officer Ethics Act; Sections 4 and 6(c) and (d) of the Public Service Disciplinary Manual, 2022; as well as Sections 1.7 and 1.18 of the Public Service Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual, 2016.

Consequently, and in line with the provisions of Section 44(4)(d) of the Employment Act, you are hereby suspended from duty with immediate effect, pending further processing and determination of your matter.

You are therefore directed to hand over any county government property within your custody to the undersigned immediately.

Further, you are required to show cause within seven days henceforth why further disciplinary action, including dismissal from service, should not be instituted against you. Should you fail to submit a written response within this period, the matter will be processed and finalized without further reference to you, guided by applicable statutes and law,” signed by Walter Okelo, Chief Officer, Governance, Administration and ICT.

At the rally, Omondi accused Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna of opposing ODM’s pre-election coalition with President William Ruto’s UDA party over what he termed as marriage to women from Mt. Kenya.

The trio are the founders of the Linda Mwananchi faction in ODM and recently held three successful rallies in Busia, Kitengela, and Kakamega. Currently, they are engaged in planning to release the group’s calendar for the year.

In derogatory and vulgar remarks, accompanied by inappropriate gestures, Omondi castigated the trio as being under the influence of their Mt. Kenya wives.

Omondi is employed by the County Government of Siaya, reportedly not on professional qualifications and competence but on political expediency and propaganda.

From humble beginnings as a plumber in Kisumu’s sprawling slums of Manyatta, Omondi rose to the high table of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where he shared the podium with the party leadership.

From the political podium, Omondi landed employment at the County Government of Siaya.

He was employed as a County Information Management Officer, a position that typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Information Science, Data Science, Computer Science, or Social Science.

From the above requirements, it raises questions about how Omondi was recruited into the Public Service of Siaya County, what kind of academic papers he presented, and whether the position was advertised and the hiring conducted competitively.

Omondi usually flies in a chopper with top Luo leaders, and before they address any political or social gathering, they often ask him to electrify and excite the crowd.

With the suspension of Omondi, Orengo has taken the battle to the doorstep of the Oburu-Wanga faction of Linda Ground.

Last weekend, at the Linda Ground rally in Siaya, Orengo came under a barrage of criticism from Wanga and other ODM leaders for allegedly failing to institute meaningful development and for being jealous of Dr. Oburu.

Oburu introduced former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo and termed him a worthy competitor and capable of being the next Governor of Siaya.

Siaya Deputy Governor Dr. Oduol Denge, a bitter rival of Orengo, has also declared his interest in the seat and is aligned with Linda Ground to checkmate Orengo.