The Orange Democratic Movement starts its ‘Linda Lindi’ county tours in Western Kenya this weekend. Interim leader Dr Oburu Oginga will lead the visits to Busia and Kakamega counties. The aim is to rally party members and discuss possible pre-2027 election talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance. This comes as ODM deals with internal splits over the idea of a coalition.
The tours begin on January 17, 2026, in Busia. Oburu plans to meet local leaders, elders and supporters. He will move to Kakamega on Sunday. The events include town hall meetings and open forums.
Party officials say the focus will be on unity and the benefits of the 2024 broad-based government deal with UDA. Oburu has pushed this partnership as a way to bring development to ODM strongholds.
Last week’s forum in Kibera showed the challenges. Held on January 14, the event drew a small crowd. Oburu spoke about the need for unity and staying in the government until 2027. He said it gives ODM a say in national decisions. But critics mocked the low turnout online.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and others boycotted it. Sifuna has openly opposed the coalition, calling it a sellout. He wants ODM to stay as opposition and challenge Ruto in 2027.
Pro-coalition members see things differently. From the Coast and Western Kenya, they back the UDA partnership. They point to power-sharing gains like cabinet posts and funding for projects.
Governors and MPs in those areas say the deal has brought roads, schools and health centres. They accuse rebels like Sifuna of sabotage. One party elder said the tours will help calm tensions and show the benefits on the ground.
Oburu faces a big test. As Raila Odinga’s brother, he took over after Raila’s death in 2025. He has worked to hold the party together. But splits run deep. Younger members want a fresh direction. Older ones stick to the old opposition stance. The Kibera event highlighted the divide. Only a few hundred showed up, far from the large crowds ODM used to draw.
The Western tours aim to rebuild support in key areas. Busia and Kakamega are ODM heartlands. Voters there backed Raila in past elections. Oburu will talk about economic issues like high living costs and jobs. He plans to explain how the coalition helps with those. Party mobilisers have gone door to door to boost attendance.
Critics say the tours might flop too. Sifuna and allies plan their own events. They call for ODM to quit the government and rebuild as opposition. Babu Owino, another MP, has joined the calls. He says the party loses its voice by staying in.
Ruto welcomes the talks. UDA leaders say a formal coalition strengthens both sides for 2027. They point to shared wins in by-elections. But ODM rebels worry it ties them to unpopular policies like taxes.
Kenya’s political scene heats up early for 2027. Coalitions form and break often. ODM’s choice could shift the balance. If the tours go well, Oburu gains ground. If not, splits grow.
Voters in Western Kenya watch closely. They want leaders who deliver. The weekend events start in Busia town hall Saturday morning. Kakamega follows Sunday. The weather looks clear, but the political air stays charged.
ODM has about 2 million members. Keeping them united matters. Oburu’s team says the tours will continue to other counties soon. The goal is to listen and build consensus. This push shows ODM at a crossroads. Coalition or opposition? The answer shapes the next election.
