KISUMU, Kenya – A group of breakaway Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders on Sunday, April 26, 2026, stormed the lakeside city of Kisumu for a mega political rally even as divisions continue to rock the party.
The leaders, who were led by ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya governor James Orengo, had earlier attended a Sunday mass at the Triumphant Christian Church–Nyaori in Nyalenda.
The well-attended rally at Ka-Owuor Grounds came hours after the group held three rallies in the neighbouring Vihiga County before visiting Kang’o ka Jaramogi to pay tribute at the grave of the late ODM leader, Raila Odinga.
The group took a stab at the 10-point agenda report created by the “broad-based” ODM-UDA government, labelling it a “shameful charade” and a “betrayal” of former leader Raila Odinga’s legacy.
Leader by leader, affiliated with the faction, which operates as a critical voice against the current UDA-leaning arrangement, dismissed the official report as a “10-point lies” report that failed to meet the expectations of Kenyans.
Governor Orengo, who shot the first salvo, maintained that he is the ODM party leader while pouring cold water on Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who leads the ‘Linda Ground’ faction.
“Ruto signed the 10-point agenda that he has been unable to implement. Some of our colleagues have sold our party. They should pack and go,” said Governor Orengo, adding that the Linda Mwanachi faction will field a presidential candidate in 2027.
Inside the ODM-UDA 10-point agenda
The ODM-UDA 10-point agenda emerged from the 2025 coalition agreement between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, emphasising national unity, inclusive governance, and economic development. Key priorities include full implementation of the Nadco report, equitable budgeting, public appointments, reduced inflation, sustained fertiliser subsidies for farmers, and expanded healthcare coverage.
The agenda reflects a commitment to collaborative governance, bridging political divides through shared policy goals. It aims to strengthen institutional trust, promote socio-economic equity, and ensure sustainable growth across Kenya’s regions.
This was the first rally that the Linda Mwananchi group was holding in Kisumu post-Raila era, with Governor Orengo taking advantage of the event to insist that he is the ODM party leader.
“This Linda Mwanachi belongs to Raila. Who among you agrees that Raila is among us today? I have been officially declared as the ODM party leader, and the SG is Sifuna. The deputy leader is Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi,” said Orengo.
When he took to the stage, Sifuna, who doubles as the Nairobi senator, maintained that Raila was against ODM working alongside President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
“All I want to say here today is that Raila told me that there is no way ODM would work with President Ruto. I was at KICC during the signing of the 10-point agenda with UDA, which the broad-based government has failed to implement,” added Sifuna.
Senator Osotsi recalls his Kisumu attack
On his part, Senator Osotsi recounted his recent violent attack inside a Kisumu hotel on April 9, 2026, as captured in harrowing CCTV footage. The incident sparked widespread concern, with police actively identifying those involved.
“You heard, and you saw the government goons who assaulted me in a hotel. Luos and Luhyas are one thing. I have heard Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen claim that those who assaulted me fled to a neighbouring country, yet we know they are here. If you meet them, arrest them,” Osotsi said.
Babu Owino, whom the leaders accompanying him on the Kisumu rally endorsed as the LUO kingpin, insisted that he is part and parcel of the region.
“As the people of Kisumu, I want to tell you that I am one of you. I was born and raised here. I almost lost my life here in Kisumu in the company of Raila. We shall soon give you direction on the people to vote for across the Luo Nyanza region because 80% of the current leaders will not be reelected,” cautioned Babu Owino.
Kisii senator Richard Onyonka, who introduced Gusii leaders, among them MPs Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Antony Gibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), and Nolfason Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), hailed the Luo nation for its contribution to Kenya’s democracy.
“The Luo nation has defended Kenya; it has fought for Kenya; it has died for Kenya. We don’t want the Luo nation to lose the dream that Raila told us not to sell his land to. I want to ask Oburu why he is selling Raila’s land,” Onyonka said.
Babu Owino endorsed as Nyanza kingpin
Other MPs who graced the rally included MPs Patrick Makau (Mavoko), Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti) and Caroli Omondi (Suba South).
“I want to say that the broad-based government has done a disservice to the people of Luo Nyanza. I want the president to tell us how he is going to finance the SGR project. He should tell us who the investor and the consortium are. Our people like Wandayi, Mbadi, Raymond and Oluga are in office but not in power. I want to assure all the people of Raila that we shall form the next government in 2027,” explained MP Omondi.
Outspoken MP Caleb Amisi used the occasion to rally behind Babu Owino as the next Luo Nyanza political kingpin.
“Kisumu has never failed this country. You have been there all the time in Kenya. I want to tell you that I came here thinking that I had lost, but today I believe that Raila is here with us. I endorse Babu Owino as the Luo kingpin,” emphasised MP Amisi.
Miles away, the Linda Ground, another faction within the ODM party, was at Alaskan Grounds in Malindi, Kilifi County, for the Coast Youth Convention rally, a move that sought to signal political unity and outreach.
The Linda Grounds’ efforts were aimed at engaging youth and fostering inclusive participation across regional factions.
The event highlighted ODM’s strategy to consolidate support through grassroots mobilisation and shared platforms for diverse voices.
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