ODM Rebellion Erupts as Faction Launches “Linda Mwananchi” Grassroots Crusade, Vows to Topple Ruto in 2027

A deep and angry rift within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has burst into the open, with a rebel faction launching a defiant parallel grassroots movement aimed at reclaiming the party’s identity and vowing to take on President William Ruto in the 2027 elections, rather than join him.

The faction, which includes senior figures like Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, kicked off their “Linda Mwananchi” (Protect the Citizen) tour in Busia County on Sunday, February 8, in direct opposition to party leaders warming up to cooperation with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The rebellion marks the most significant internal crisis for ODM in years, threatening to split the party ahead of the next general election.

“We Will Not Be Swallowed”

Led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, the rebels delivered a blistering rejection of any alliance with the ruling party. In a fiery address during the tour, Orengo drew cheers from supporters as he laid down their non-negotiable stance.

“Nobody will force us to enter into a government we do not agree with,” Orengo declared. “ODM must form the next government and must have a presidential candidate.”

He issued a stark warning against what he called the “auctioning” of the party for personal gain by unnamed leaders—a clear jab at those in ODM’s Central Management Committee (CMC) who recently received a green light to begin pre-election negotiations with UDA.

“Nobody can dare auction the ODM party. Everything that the party will do will come from the people themselves. This party will not be swallowed by any other party,” Orengo stated, his words signaling a battle for the soul of the opposition giant.

A Direct Warning to Supporters and Leadership

The rebellion turned personal as Orengo urged ODM supporters in the Western region to outright shun leaders engaging in “behind-the-scenes dealings” with Ruto’s coalition.

“We are warning those doing business with our party. When they come here in Busia, do not allow them to come,” he said, in a move likely to heighten tensions at the constituency level.

On the other side of the standoff, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino issued a counter-warning to the ODM leadership, daring them to try and oust the rebels. Known for his combative style, Owino stated he was prepared for a by-election if removed and insisted that he and his allies were “not fearful.”

Legal and Political Manoeuvring

Adding a layer of legal strategy to the political fight, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, also speaking in Busia, sought to undercut the very foundation of the proposed ODM-UDA cooperation.

He clarified that the much-publicized agreement signed by President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga was not intended to create a coalition. Sifuna noted the deal had “no provision for an extension” and that the committee reviewing it is expected to submit its final report by March 7, 2026—a timeline the rebels likely hope will run out without a lasting political merger.

A Party at a Crossroads

The public explosion of these wrangles reveals a party at a critical crossroads. One faction, led by rebels like Orengo, Sifuna, and Owino, argues that joining hands with the government would be a profound betrayal of ODM’s base and would neuter its vital role as a government watchdog.

The other faction, which has the backing of the party’s CMC, insists that pragmatic engagement and pre-election negotiations with UDA are necessary for political stability and future success.

With the launch of the “Linda Mwananchi” tour, the rebel faction is taking its case directly to the people, betting that grassroots sentiment is against collaboration with President Ruto. As the 2027 election cycle begins to loom, this internal war could redefine Kenya’s opposition landscape, potentially setting the stage for a dramatic and contested battle for the presidency.

One thing is clear: ODM is no longer just fighting its external rivals; it is now embroiled in a bitter, public, and potentially existential war within itself.