KAKAMEGA, Kenya — A widening split within Kenya’s opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is intensifying, with a faction led by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna signalling ambitions that extend to the presidency.
At a charged rally in Kakamega, which proceeded despite a teargas incident near the dais, leaders allied to Sifuna urged the camp to pursue national leadership as part of a broader opposition realignment ahead of the next General Election.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi said the group intended to leverage the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition platform to negotiate with like-minded parties and build what he described as a formidable electoral alliance.
“We will, through the Azimio La Umoja coalition, negotiate with other parties to form a formidable force with 16 million votes,” Caroli said.
Mobilisation drive and political messaging
The Kakamega rally drew several senior figures, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.
Speakers said the nationwide mobilisation campaign known as the Linda Mwananchi Tour would continue despite security concerns and political resistance, framing the initiative as a grassroots movement focused on governance, economic pressure and citizen rights.
Orengo criticised unnamed political actors whom he accused of attempting to weaken the party historically associated with opposition leader Raila Odinga.
“He wants to kill Raila Odinga’s party. The Secretary-General of ODM remains Edwin Sifuna. This movement that has begun here in Kakamega will go all the way to the Coast, Turkana and Kisumu,” Orengo said.
He added that Raila had a clear vision anchored on a 10-point agenda and maintained that a memorandum of understanding signed earlier stipulated that ODM could not enter into a coalition arrangement.
“Raila had a vision, and that vision was the 10-point agenda. The MoU stated that ODM cannot form a coalition with any party,” he said.
Security tensions at the rally
The gathering unfolded under heightened security following warnings by regional police that intelligence suggested some attendees could be armed.
Tension briefly escalated when a teargas canister was thrown into the crowd as Sifuna prepared to address supporters, triggering momentary panic before leaders restored order.
Sifuna urged restraint, arguing that political pressure was being used to derail the movement and criticising the administration of William Ruto.
“I want to tell you why I am being targeted. It is because I keep reminding William Ruto that he had an agreement with Raila Odinga to respect the rights of the people, including devolution,” Sifuna said, referring to President Ruto.
Leaders also accused the government of failing to fulfil campaign pledges, with Owino insisting mobilisation would continue.
“We have said this movement will not end. Teargas cannot stop it. Hot water cannot stop it. The government cannot stop it. It must continue,” Babu Owino told the crowd.
“Listen carefully, young people. They promised that a boda boda rider would graduate from a motorcycle to owning a matatu. Who owns a matatu here? They said a mama mboga would own a supermarket. Who owns a supermarket here?,” he asked.
Parallel faction consolidates base in Nyanza
At the same time, a rival ODM grouping led by veteran politician Oburu Oginga held a separate rally at Ahindi Grounds in Siaya, signalling an increasingly visible internal divide.
Addressing supporters, Oburu urged members unhappy with his engagement with the government to leave the party voluntarily, stressing that ODM remained open but focused on structured negotiations over policy, development and power-sharing.
“We are not expelling anybody from the party, but anybody who feels uncomfortable with us is free to leave,” he said.
He said future talks would prioritise concrete governance agreements rather than symbolic alliances.
“We are going to negotiate on policies, development programmes and the sharing of positions, which includes the sharing of power,” Oburu said.
The veteran leader argued that the party, after years in opposition, was determined to position itself for government participation.
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“There is no political party that is formed just to remain in opposition. We have been in opposition for a long time, and this time round we are going to make sure that we are in power,” he declared.
The simultaneous rallies underscore a strategic contest within ODM over ideological direction, coalition strategy and leadership positioning ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Analysts say the outcome could reshape opposition politics, particularly if the Sifuna-led mobilisation translates into a broader coalition framework while the Oburu camp pursues negotiation-driven engagement.
The developments come amid heightened political activity across Kenya, with parties recalibrating alliances, messaging and grassroots structures in anticipation of a competitive national contest.
