Edwin Sifuna has confirmed the upcoming Kakamega rally, set to shake up Kenya’s political scene as divisions in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) grow deeper. The event, part of the Linda Mwananchi Tour, kicks off at 11 a.m. on February 21 at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega town.
It’s drawing big names like Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who plan to tackle tough topics like the economy, better government practices, and protecting people’s rights as the country eyes the 2027 elections. This rally comes right after a chaotic one in Kitengela, where police fired tear gas and a man was tragically shot dead, with fingers pointing at security forces.
Sifuna, the Nairobi senator and embattled ODM secretary general, is leading this push. His group started the tour in Busia and now heads into the heart of Western Kenya, home to the Luhya community. They are adamantly opposed to any agreement that unites ODM with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Sifuna’s team sees these actions as a betrayal of what ODM stands for, especially after the passing of party founder Raila Odinga last year. Without Raila, the party have split into camps: one backing closer ties with Ruto for a “broad-based government”, and Sifuna’s side holding firm as true opposition.
The drama heated up when ODM’s National Executive Committee tried to boot Sifuna from his secretary general post. They said he wasn’t toeing the party line, especially on working with Ruto. But a tribunal stepped in and put a hold on that move, giving Sifuna some breathing room.
Now, he’s out there rallying support, saying he’ll keep calling out the government’s missteps no matter what. In Kitengela last weekend, his event turned ugly. Police showed up, lobbing tear gas into the crowd. One person ended up dead, and locals are furious, blaming the cops. Sifuna didn’t back down, though. He told the crowd they won’t be scared into silence.
On the other side, Oburu Oginga, Raila’s brother and a senior ODM figure, leads the faction open to partnering with Ruto. They’ve got their own rally planned the same day in Siaya County, under the “Linda Ground” banner. It’s no coincidence – these parallel events highlight how fractured things have become.
Oburu’s camp includes folks like Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. Mbadi even called for talks, saying the mixed messages are stirring up trouble in communities like the Luo. He pointed out that tensions were simmering even when Raila was alive, but now they’re boiling over.
Adding fuel to the fire is Millicent Omanga, a former UDA nominated senator. She’s jumped ship to back Sifuna’s movement, along with Mavoko MP Patrick Makau. Critics are calling her a mole, suggesting she’s there to spy or stir trouble.
Omanga, known for her flashy style and past ties to Ruto, says she’s fed up with the current setup and wants real change. But her move has raised eyebrows, with some in Oburu’s group accusing Sifuna of teaming up with unlikely allies like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to weaken ODM from inside.
President Ruto isn’t sitting idle. Just days ago, he hosted Kakamega MPs and leaders at State House. Some see this as a direct response to Sifuna’s plans, trying to shore up support in the region.
Kakamega has always been a key battleground, and with the Luhya vote up for grabs, both sides are playing hard. Others, like Kisumu Woman Rep Ruth Odinga, describe ODM as “the woman everybody wants to marry”, urging unity but admitting the splits run deep.
This gathering in Kakamega could change things. Sifuna’s crowds have been enormous lately, and many of them are young people who are upset about high prices and a lack of jobs. There are a lot of pictures on social media showing people camping out early and uploading videos of creative songs and chants in support of Sifuna and Babu Owino.
One viral video even has an AI-made rap song with the two of them in it to get people excited about the event. It’s evident that the anti-Ruto crowd has the most energy right now.
But risks loom. After the Kitengela mess, Sifuna’s team notified police about the Kakamega event, sharing details right down to the OCPD’s WhatsApp. Still, with Ruto’s team in the mix and past disruptions, anything could happen. Will it stay peaceful or turn into another clash?
Looking ahead, these rifts could reshape Kenya’s politics. ODM was once a powerhouse under Raila, but now it’s at a crossroads. If Sifuna’s faction gains ground, it might force a rethink on alliances.
Or, if the pro-Ruto side wins out, ODM could fade as an opposition force. Either way, the 2027 race just got more intense. Kenyans are watching closely, hoping for answers on jobs, rights, and fair play. For now, all eyes are on Kakamega this Saturday—where the next chapter in this saga unfolds.
