ODM and Linda Mwananchi leaders have escalated their war of words ahead of the high-stakes political rally planned by the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna-led movement in Homa Bay on Sunday.
Linda Mwananchi leaders have accused the ODM wing of plotting to disrupt their meeting, claims that have been rejected by ODM leaders.
The growing confrontation has exposed an intensifying battle for control of Nyanza following the death of former ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The political contest has largely split the region, with Sifuna leading the breakaway Linda Mwananchi movement, while Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga remains at the helm of the mainstream ODM.
Sifuna and his allies have opposed ODM’s decision to work with President William Ruto’s UDA and support his re-election in the 2027 presidential contest.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi are among the prominent Nyanza leaders backing the Sifuna-led movement.
Orengo has personally traversed the region, persuading the residents to back Linda Mwananchi.
Ahead of Sunday's rally, has alleged that plans are underway to sabotage the event, claiming secret meetings had been held to mobilise youths and distribute weapons.
“We have all the details of what they are planning,” Orengo claimed on Wednesday.
He also alleged that another meeting had been held at the home of a local leader, where youths were allegedly mobilised.
Omondi, who is the Linda Mwananchi spokesperson, claimed attempts were being made to keep traders away from Homa Bay town on the day of the rally.
The aim, he said, was to deny Linda Mwananchi crowds during their rally.
“They are planning to have goons hide under a voter registration exercise near Kabunde Airport to block us. They are also planning to block the bridges leading to Homa Bay town and have goons camp at the hotel where we will be staying,” he said.
The leaders said they had shared alleged audio recordings with security agencies and called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure the rally proceeds peacefully.
“The IG is aware. We shared the audio with him of what is being planned in Homa Bay, and we call on him to make sure that the rally will be peaceful and everyone will be safe,” Omondi said.
Babu Owino accused leaders allied to ODM of attempting to frustrate the movement’s efforts to establish itself in the region.
“In Nyanza, we are being hunted like wild animals. What is happening in Nyanza? People of Homa Bay, turn out in large numbers. We are coming,” Owino said.
Orengo said Linda Mwananchi supporters would not be intimidated.
“If the police cannot protect the people who will come to the rally, we are also prepared to make sure everyone who turns up at the rally is safe,” he said.
ODM, however, has vehemently denied the claims of plotting to disrupt the rally.
This is even as it emerged that the leaders were attempting to counter the movement’s inroads in the region.
On Thursday, ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga camped in Suba South, the political base of Omondi, urging residents to reject what she described as rebel politics.
“Never listen to Omondi and the Linda Mwananchi team because they don’t have an agenda,” she said.
"They are coming to Homa Bay to use infrastructure being financed by the government and claim that the national leadership has failed."
She defended ODM’s partnership with Ruto’s administration and said the arrangement had opened the way for development projects in Nyanza.
“President Ruto has demonstrated good leadership and willingness to develop the country equally. He deserves to be re-elected for a second term,” Wanga said.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma warned the Linda Mwananchi brigade against provoking the residents with 'Wantam' chants.
He said Homa Bay and by extension Nyanza is strongly behind President William Ruto's broad-based government.
"Let them not provoke our people. We are peaceful, loving people, but anything Wantam will be provocative," he said.
According to the programme, Linda Mwananchi has lined up three major rallies in Homa Bay on Sunday.
The movement will hold their first rally at Nyandiwa at 10am before moving to Sindo at noon.
Their events will culminate with a major rally in Homa Bay Town at 10 am.
