Kenyans are watching closely as the ODM Linda Ground vs Linda Mwananchi, i.e., old vs youth leaders, split threatens to tear the opposition party apart. What started as different approaches to grassroots mobilisation has quickly turned into a full-blown power struggle, with rival tours kicking off across the country.
It all comes down to two camps pulling in opposite directions. On one side, party leader Oburu Oginga – Raila Odinga’s elder brother – heads the Linda Ground initiative.
Launched last month in places like Kibra’s Kamukunji Grounds, these rallies bring together leaders like Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and others who see cooperation with President William Ruto’s government as the way forward.
Also, Oburu Odinga led is also subdivided with business mogul Oketch Salah and like-minded people also steering its group from Linda Ground.
They talk about preparing the base for possible partnerships ahead of 2027, keeping ODM relevant in national talks.
Then there’s the Linda Mwananchi side, led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and firebrands like Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and the late Raila Odinga’s daughter Winnie, Kisumu Woman Rep Ruth Odinga and Raila Junior. This group insists on protecting ordinary citizens first – hence the name, meaning “protect the people”.
They’re against any quick deals with the ruling UDA party, arguing ODM risks losing its soul if it gets too cosy with the government. Their tours started today in Busia, with plans to hit more counties soon.
Sifuna has been vocal, saying the party should stay true to its opposition roots and fight for Kenyans struggling with taxes and policies.
The timing adds fuel to the fire. Raila Odinga’s death late last year left a huge void in ODM. For decades, he held everything together with his charisma and vision. Now, without him, old questions about direction and leadership are bubbling up.
Oburu stepped in as party leader, but not everyone agrees on how things are running. Sifuna recently questioned the funding behind Linda Ground events, claiming no party money has gone into them since last November’s celebrations. He hinted at outside sources, maybe even from the government side, which raised eyebrows.
Not everyone’s staying neutral. Kisumu Woman Rep Ruth Odinga, Raila’s sister, jumped in to back Sifuna. She asked pointed questions about where the cash for those big rallies is coming from and defended the younger leaders’ right to speak out. It’s clear family ties aren’t stopping the debate – if anything, they’re right in the middle.
Supporters on both sides are digging in. Linda Ground crowds show up in orange, cheering for unity and pragmatism. Meanwhile, Linda Mwananchi gatherings draw people frustrated with the status quo, wanting ODM to keep pushing back against the administration.
Social media is full of it – clips from rallies, heated exchanges, and memes taking sides. Some worry this could weaken the party just when opposition voices matter most.
Oburu has pushed back too, reminding everyone no one is bigger than ODM and that cooperation doesn’t mean selling out. But the parallel events speak volumes.
Two sets of leaders crisscrossing counties with different messages – it’s hard to see how that ends without some real confrontation. As these tours roll on, the big question hangs over everything: can ODM heal this rift before it breaks apart?
