Siaya Governor James Orengo/FILESiaya Governor James Orengo has said the Linda Mwananchi movement will seek to reclaim what he described as the "soul and body" of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), maintaining that its leaders and supporters remain loyal members of the party despite growing internal divisions.
Speaking during an interview on KTN TV on Monday, Orengo said most leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi are still members of ODM and intend to remain active within the party as they advance their political agenda.
“The majority of the membership at the level of principals are from ODM, and they are still ODM. We said we are going to fight for the soul and body of the party,” Orengo said.
He also expressed support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in his role as ODM Secretary General, describing him as a leader who embodies the party's ideals and remains a key figure despite recent internal disagreements.
Orengo said Sifuna had been "badly treated" but continued to represent the principles upon which ODM was founded.
He added that, as Secretary General, Sifuna remains the party's chief spokesperson and custodian of its structures and instruments.
According to Orengo, the treatment of Sifuna reflects what he sees as broader internal struggles within ODM, with some members seeking to reclaim what they describe as the party's original identity and role as a national opposition movement.
"That explains why Sifuna, who has been very badly treated by the party and who really carries what the party is all about as Secretary General, should really be the chief spokesperson," Orengo said.
Orengo said Linda Mwananchi is focused on developing a clear policy agenda before addressing questions of leadership and a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He argued that political formations should first define their identity, develop a blueprint for addressing the country's challenges and present their proposals to Kenyans before settling on a presidential flag bearer.
“We should define who we are. We should have a blueprint. We should have an analysis of what is wrong with Kenya and talk about the changes that we intend to bring about in a document that is accessible to the Kenyan people,” he said.
According to Orengo, the movement's strategy is to engage citizens on issues affecting them and build consensus around a shared vision before deciding who should carry its presidential ticket.
He dismissed suggestions that time was running out for the group to organise itself ahead of the next election, saying there was still sufficient time for political parties and like-minded leaders to align around a shared agenda.
Orengo also said Linda Mwananchi remains open to working with other opposition formations, adding that any discussions on possible cooperation should be guided by shared goals and policy positions.
The governor said members associated with the movement would continue engaging ODM supporters while weighing their future political options as political developments unfold ahead of the 2027 General Election.
