ODM Abandons Linda Ground Rallies

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formally abandoned the Linda Ground slogan that had defined a series of political rallies across the country in recent months, signalling a major political recalibration as the party seeks to rebuild, rebrand and consolidate its support base ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The announcement was made during a meeting bringing together ODM aspirants from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties, where party leaders unveiled a fresh mobilisation strategy centred on strengthening the ODM identity, restoring internal discipline and preparing the party for what leaders described as an intense battle for political relevance and bargaining power in the next government.

The decision effectively brings to an end the countrywide rallies conducted under the Linda Ground banner, which had emerged following internal succession realignments in the wake of the death of former ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

The move is a deliberate attempt by the Oburu Odinga-led faction to distance itself from the Linda Mwananchi camp associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and a section of leaders perceived to be pushing a parallel political message within ODM.

Although no leader directly mentioned Sifuna during the meeting, repeated warnings against confusion, splinter messaging and parallel movements underscored simmering tensions inside the party as ODM navigates one of its most delicate transition periods in years.

ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said the party would henceforth campaign strictly under the ODM banner and official party colours to eliminate mixed political branding.

“We created a movement called Linda Ground to consolidate our bases, but some people came and instead of thinking about their own movement, they came to this Linda movement and created confusion,” said Wanga.

She warned aspirants against producing campaign materials that could create the impression of factions within the party.

“When you do your posters and campaign materials, let them remain ODM. The colour is orange. We do not want confusion,” she said.

ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga addressing aspirants from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties in Kisumu on Monday, May 25 2026./KNA

Wanga insisted there were no factions within ODM and maintained that the party remained united under Oburu’s leadership.

“There are no factions. The party is ODM under Dr. Oburu Oginga as our party leader. Anything else is a splitter. Anybody else, when they are ready, should simply come back to ODM because ODM remains strong,” she said.

Wanga acknowledged that the transition had not been easy, especially after losing a leader of Raila’s stature, but praised Oburu for stabilising the party during what she termed a difficult political moment.

“Transitions are never easy, particularly after the loss of a leader of the calibre of Raila Odinga. We did not even ask Oburu for permission before naming him party leader because the party needed stability immediately,” she said.

“He accepted to steady the ship during a difficult moment, and today we can confidently say the ship is steady,” she added.

The meeting also laid bare ODM’s broader political strategy ahead of the 2027 general election, with the party openly declaring plans to pursue zoning arrangements in its traditional strongholds under the broader cooperation framework with President William Ruto’s UDA party.

Speaking candidly to aspirants, ODM party leader Oburu Odinga said the party’s strength in Nyanza would remain protected through negotiated political arrangements aimed at avoiding internal vote splitting between coalition partners.

ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga addressing aspirants from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties in Kisumu on Monday, May 25 2026./KNA

Oburu further revealed that ODM’s political influence in future coalition negotiations would depend entirely on the number of elected leaders and votes the party delivers in 2027.

“When negotiations happen, people will ask how many MPs you brought, how many MCAs you brought and how many presidential votes you delivered. That is what determines your share in government,” he said.

He urged leaders from the Nyanza region to unite behind the party and intensify grassroots mobilisation to strengthen ODM’s bargaining position nationally.

“If you people do not unite and work hard, do not expect anything in return. We do not want to remain in the political wilderness. We want to be in government, and we shall negotiate based on our numbers,” he said.

The ODM leader also sought to assure aspirants that the party would conduct free, fair and transparent nominations, warning against corruption, intimidation and attempts to influence party officials using money.

“We are going to ensure there is a free and fair nomination. If you want to join politics to make money, you will regret it. Politics is about serving people,” he said.

Drawing from his decades-long political experience, Oburu warned aspirants against relying on party officials for political survival, saying nominations would ultimately be decided by ordinary ODM members.

“Do not waste your time chasing officials. It is the members who will nominate you, not office holders,” he said.

He further cautioned incumbents against complacency, telling them that all elective seats would become vacant once the election period begins.

“When that time comes, no seat belongs to anybody. All seats become vacant. Those who are serving now must work and show the people what they have done,” he said.

ODM Acting Executive Director Joshua K’owino also addressed concerns over recent claims regarding party control and official documents.

“As trustees, we are custodians of all the party instruments, and they are intact and safely with us. That should not even be an issue for debate,” he said.