KISUMU, 25th April 2026–A wave of concern is sweeping through Kisumu ahead of a planned Sunday rally by the Linda Mwananchi brigade, with grassroots leaders and residents issuing a firm caution against any form of disrespect towards ODM party chief Dr Oburu Oginga.
Speaking from the political hotspot of Kondele on Saturday, members of the Bunge La Mwananchi movement called on visiting leaders among them James Orengo and Edwin Sifuna to avoid inflammatory language and refrain from past patterns of verbal attacks that have targeted the ODM leadership.
“Our brothers from Linda Mwananchi must be careful about what they say while in Kisumu. Let them come and sell their agenda to the people,” said Salim Onyango, chief whip of Bunge la Wananchi Kisumu County.
Onyango did not mince words when recalling earlier incidents of political vilification directed at Oburu Oginga, warning that such conduct threatens to fracture the region’s hard-earned cohesion.
“The kind of disrespect we have seen before, especially towards our leaders, is uncalled for. Leaders who thrive on badmouthing others must stop,” he added.
Joshua Owino, who heads Bunge La Mwananchi in Kondele, urged rally organisers to prioritise peace above partisan politics. He noted that Kisumu has enjoyed relative calm recently and appealed to politicians not to ignite chaos.
“This rally should not be used to provoke residents into violence,” Owino said, while expressing support for both Oburu and President William Ruto under the current broad-based governance framework.
Beyond the political class, ordinary residents also voiced apprehension. At the Kisumu bus terminus, food vendor Milka Auma warned that internal fights within ODM including perceived sidelining or attacks on Oburu could have far-reaching consequences for the region’s political stability.
“Kisumu has enjoyed peace, and we want that to continue,” Auma said.
Local artisans from the city’s juakali sector echoed similar sentiments, cautioning that political divisions disrupt livelihoods.
Jim Otieno, an artisan, noted that residents are watching closely how leaders treat their own.
As Sunday’s rally draws nearer, the message from Kisumu is clear: “Engage on issues, not insults and accord Dr Oburu Oginga and National Chairperson Gladys Wanga the respect they deserve or risk unravelling the unity the region has worked hard to build.”
