A growing internal power struggle within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has burst into the open in Kisumu, exposing deep divisions over the party’s future leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
What was expected to be a routine political rally quickly evolved into a high-stakes confrontation between rival factions, each claiming legitimacy and influence within the party’s traditional stronghold.
At the center of the unfolding drama is the question of succession—who will take over the mantle from Raila Odinga, the long-time ODM leader whose political dominance has shaped the party for decades. While no formal transition has been declared, competing camps are already positioning themselves, signaling an early and potentially turbulent leadership contest.
One faction, popularly referred to as “Linda Mwananchi,” is reportedly aligned with leaders such as Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo, and Babu Owino. This group is said to be pushing for Orengo as a potential successor, framing their campaign around continuity, experience, and a renewed political direction for ODM as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.
However, their efforts have been met with resistance from a rival faction known as “Linda Ground,” which draws support from influential figures within the Nyanza region, including Oburu Oginga and several local MPs. This group claims to have grassroots control in Kisumu and surrounding areas and has openly challenged the legitimacy of the rally organized by the opposing camp.
The tension between the two factions has raised concerns about possible unrest, with reports of threats, warnings, and heightened political rhetoric in the lead-up to the event. Kisumu, traditionally seen as ODM’s political base, has now become the battleground for competing visions of the party’s future.
Amid the escalating situation, Douglas Kanja has sought to calm tensions, assuring the public that security agencies are prepared to maintain peace and order. His intervention underscores the seriousness of the situation, as authorities move to prevent any disruption that could arise from the political standoff.
Beyond the immediate confrontation, the events in Kisumu reflect a deeper shift within ODM. For years, the party has been unified under Raila Odinga’s leadership, but the absence of a clear succession plan is now creating space for internal competition. What was once a tightly controlled political structure is beginning to show signs of fragmentation.
Raila is gone and he cannot hear, he cannot speak, and he cannot come back to babysit anyone’s politics.
The political babies who were spoon-fed by him, who suckled from his name, his networks, his courage and his sacrifices, must now grow up and chart their own way.
Let the…
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) April 26, 2026
The outcome of this standoff could have far-reaching implications. If managed poorly, it risks weakening ODM’s unity and eroding its influence ahead of 2027. On the other hand, it could also mark the beginning of a new phase in the party’s evolution, where leadership is contested more openly and new figures emerge to redefine its direction.
For now, all eyes remain on Kisumu, where the balance of power within ODM is being tested in real time. Whether the party can navigate this moment without deepening divisions will likely determine not just its internal stability, but also its competitiveness in the next general election.
