Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna headlined a spirited “Linda Mwananchi” rally in Kitengela, Kajiado County, reaffirming his role as ODM Secretary General amid internal party turmoil.
The event drew more than 2,000 supporters, marking a stark contrast to Oburu Odinga’s parallel “Linda Ground” gathering in Mombasa.
The day began with a pre-rally church service attended by hundreds of supporters, blending faith and politics in what Sifuna described on X (formerly Twitter) as: “Church done.”
The rally reflected a youth-centric energy reminiscent of ODM’s 1990s Young Turks era.
Joined by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Sifuna criticized President William Ruto’s administration, citing economic hardship, high taxes, unemployment, and youth marginalization. He framed his faction as a movement committed to the grassroots, stating: “Sisi si waoga!”
Supporters targeted local rival Johana Kasongo, alleging attempts to disguise UDA’s influence as ODM, while chants of “RutoMustGo” echoed across the dusty plains. Placards highlighted grievances over fiscal policies and the exclusion of young leaders.
Sifuna, 41, reiterated his legitimacy as ODM Secretary General, dismissing dissenters as opportunists aligned with Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Orengo added legal weight, condemning the current government for betraying the so-called hustler promise and urging unity under Raila Odinga’s legacy.
The rally underscores a generational push within ODM, leveraging youth mobilization to challenge traditional hierarchies.
Analysts note that while Raila Odinga’s AU ambitions loom, internal fractures may risk ceding political ground to Ruto ahead of 2027.
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