KISUMU, April 26th – Despite heightened tension before the event, the Linda Mwananchi mega rally was smoothly held at Kowuor Grounds in Kisumu on Sunday, April 26th.
Led by its prominent figures, James Orengo (Siaya Governor), Edwin Sifuna (ODM Secretary General), Babu Owino (Embakasi East MP), and Vihiga Senator Caleb Amisi, along with enthusiastic supporters, the group emphasised that ODM would field a presidential candidate in the 2027 elections to challenge President William Ruto at the ballot.
With the popular slogan “Who Told You?” they stated that this move is to fulfil the wishes of their late party leader Raila Odinga, who had indicated as much.
Dismissing claims that the region is a Tutam (Two-term) zone, speakers broadly criticised the President William Ruto-led administration for the high cost of living, rampant corruption, and disregard for the rule of law.
The leaders also urged residents to stay united with a shared vision for justice, fairness, and transparent leadership.
The spirit of Linda Mwananchi, they emphasised, remains alive and cannot be broken by fear or force. “It is driven by the people for the people.”
A key moment was when Orengo was announced as the “ODM party leader” at Kondele and Kowuor Grounds, hinting at a potential internal rivalry with ODM Chief Dr Oburu Oginga.
He praised Kisumu residents for their warm reception and boundless energy, saying, “Today, you’ve proven once again that the spirit of former prime minister Raila Odinga lives on in your hearts and actions. Thank you for standing firm, keeping the flame of liberation alive, and choosing to be on the right side of history,” Orengo remarked.
He added that the march towards a better Kenya continues, with the lakeside city setting the pace for the rest of the country.
Meanwhile, Sifuna reaffirmed his position as the de facto ODM Secretary General and thanked supporters in Kisumu and across the country for their ongoing trust.
“My woes began when I started criticising the broad-based government. They tricked me into joining a delegation that flew to India to collect Raila’s remains, only to return and find that they had installed Siaya senator Oburu Oginga as party leader, contrary to ODM’s established procedures,” he explained.
Condemning the recent attack on Senator Osotsi by hired political thugs in Kisumu, he stressed, “The decades-old bond between the Luos and Luhya communities is unbreakable, and no divisive or diversionary tactics will succeed.”
Sifuna also reminded the gathering of Raila Odinga’s repeated claims that what he (Sifuna) states reflects ODM’s true stance.
Babu Owino announced that he will formally compete in the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race before making a stab for the presidency in 2032.
“Vile kiongozi wetu Raila Odinga alisema baada ya Baba ni Babu (Our leader Raila said that I am his heir apparent),” he said to an energised crowd.
Senator Osotsi expressed pleasure at returning to Kisumu. “I am happy to be back in Kisumu after the unpleasant encounter with state operatives who assaulted me. The operatives questioned what I was doing in Kisumu, a two-term zone.”
He described the rally as a declaration of unity, resilience, and the unbreakable will of the people. “They tried to intimidate us. They tried to silence us. But Kisumu responded loud and clear—unmistakably.”
On the eve of the rally, the Linda Mwananchi supporters visited Raila’s grave at Kang’o Kajaramogi in Nyamira-Bondo in Siaya County. Earlier that morning, they attended a church service in Nyaori-Nyalenda and made a stop at Kondele roundabout to address the crowd.
This movement, led by a faction within the 20-year-old ODM, is set to hold its next rally in Homa Bay town.
