Linda Mwananchi faction adamant on parallel NDC as fight over control of ODM deepens

The faction, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM secretary general Senator Edwin Sifuna, on Sunday said Friday’s meeting would be decisive for the party.

The declaration is a clear indication of deepening divisions over leadership and the future direction of Raila Odinga’s party.

They argue that the parallel NDC is necessary to safeguard the party’s identity and prevent a takeover by rival elements aligned with the Linda Ground faction.

“This week will be very important as far as ODM issues are concerned. We who still hold Raila’s position said we want an NDC where everyone has the opportunity to be on the ballot,” Sifuna said.

“Babu Owino declared he wants to be party leader. They have, however, denied him that opportunity. We don’t want an NDC where a few people sit there and give themselves positions.”

Sifuna accused the opposing faction of avoiding an open contest.

“If leaders at the grassroots were subjected to the same elections, what are you afraid of?” he asked. “They were used to taking meetings to Mombasa. Now they are back here in Nairobi. We will face each other man to man.”

Orengo said their NDC will be a “people’s convention” that recognises the current leadership.

“We are organizing a meeting in Nairobi, a people’s NDC, that recognises Sifuna as the ODM secretary general. It is shameful that the great party of Raila Odinga can go into the hands of people who have no vision of Raila,” he said.

“It is our historical responsibility to ensure that this party remains in the hands of those who follow in his ideology.”

This is the latest face-off in ODM’s infighting following the demise of party leader Raila in October.

 Since then, the party splintered into competing factions over the future of its cooperation with President William Ruto under the broad-based arrangement, the leadership succession and the party’s future ahead of the 2027 polls.

The differences also reflect generational tensions and disagreements over strategic direction, with younger leaders such as Sifuna ad Babu Owino pushing for a more prominent role in decision-making.

Despite being numerically smaller within the party leadership, the Linda Mwananchi faction claims broad support from party members across the country.

Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi, who is also one of the three deputy party leaders, likened the group to the 12 disciples, saying they may be few but enjoy the backing of Kenyans who have already made up their minds.

Addressing youth participation, Sifuna called on young supporters to continue registering to vote under the “Niko Kadi” movement.  He also urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commissions to overhaul its electoral technology and change suppliers to ensure transparent and credible elections.