Linda Mwananchi declares plan to field presidential candidate

A storm is brewing inside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after the breakaway Linda Mwananchi faction declared it will field its own presidential candidate in 2027 — a move that lays bare deep cracks within the opposition party.

The bold announcement, made during a charged rally in Kisumu, signals a dramatic shift in ODM’s internal politics, with leaders openly charting a parallel path and challenging the party’s current direction.

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Led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, the faction positioned itself as the true defender of Raila Odinga’s political legacy, while vowing to take a firmer, more confrontational stance ahead of the next General Election.

“By 2027, Linda Mwananchi must have a presidential candidate,” Orengo declared to a cheering crowd, in remarks that immediately raised the stakes within ODM.

In a stunning escalation, Orengo announced a parallel leadership structure, naming himself acting party leader, with Godfrey Osotsi as deputy and Edwin Sifuna as secretary general — a move seen as a direct challenge to the party’s existing hierarchy.

The declaration underscores the emergence of a rival power centre within ODM and signals a deepening fallout over the party’s future in a post-Raila era.

Orengo did not hold back, accusing a section of ODM leaders of cosying up to State House and warning they would be forced out.

“ODM cannot be run from State House. Those who have taken the party there should go home,” he said, in an apparent swipe at figures perceived to be aligning with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

He further warned against what he termed the “selling of the party", insisting the Luo community would not be used as a bargaining chip in national politics.

“As Luos, we are not beggars. I warned them against going to State House in our name, but they still went,” he said.

The remarks lay bare a simmering power struggle driven by competing visions – whether ODM should engage the government or adopt a more hardline opposition stance.

Backing the faction’s position, Sifuna ruled out any cooperation with the current administration.

“There is no day we will walk with criminals,” he said, accusing the government of repression and economic mismanagement.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino echoed the defiant tone, rallying young people to demand a place in governance.

“If we are not on the table, we will make the table. If we are still excluded, we will break the table,” he said.

Owino also used the platform to outline his political roadmap, revealing plans to run for Nairobi governor before launching a presidential bid in 2032.

Analysts say the Linda Mwananchi declaration reflects growing impatience among a section of ODM leaders pushing for a more assertive opposition, even as questions of succession loom large.

The stakes are high. With President Ruto consolidating his political base ahead of 2027, the opposition is yet to settle on a unified challenger — and this latest move could either strengthen its hand or fracture it further.

Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka urged caution, warning against abandoning the historical legacy tied to Luo leadership.

“The Luo nation has fought and sacrificed for this country from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to Tom Mboya and Raila. We must not lose that dream,” he said.

As the countdown to 2027 gathers pace, ODM now finds itself at a crossroads — with Orengo’s faction drawing new battle lines in what could become a defining political showdown within the party.