ODM Linda Ground brigade trains guns on Governor Orengo at Siaya rally

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s Linda Ground brigade on Saturday staged a rally in Siaya town, launching sharp attacks against Governor James Orengo and the rival Linda Mwananchi faction.

Led by ODM leader Dr. Oburu Oginga, the brigade dismissed the splinter group headed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Governor Orengo, accusing them of undermining the party’s position in the broad-based government.

Dr. Oburu, flanked by ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, insisted that the late party leader Raila Odinga had anchored ODM within the broad-based government, and vowed to maintain that course.

He signaled readiness to pursue a pre-election pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

“Mimi naunga mkono juhudi ya Oburu Oginga ya kuanzisha mazungumzo kirasmi na chama cha UDA ili tuunde pre-election coalition agreement na Rais William Ruto,” said Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

“In Siaya, we have had many issues. We elected a Governor, but he is now missing in action. Our Governor has left Siaya and is now moving around outside the county, so as Siaya people we now have to decide on the way forward.

The rally drew a high-profile lineup of MPs, Senators, Governors, and Cabinet Secretaries, including Treasury CS John Mbadi, Mining CS Hassan Joho and Energy CS James Opiyo Wandayi who directly accused Governor Orengo of plotting to dismantle ODM, escalating tensions within the party.

“The Governor of Siaya, I am a heartbeat away from your office, and you have abdicated your office and gone to Kakamega. You’re saying ‘Ruto must go’ and Siaya people are telling you ‘Orengo must go,’” said Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang.

“We want to tell Orengo today, you cannot use an old map to get to new places. We want to tell Orengo today that he must come back home and work for us; if not, he will not see the light of day tomorrow,” said Ugenya MP David Ochieng.

Speakers at the rally, one after the other further declared an all-out campaign to block Orengo’s re-election bid in 2027, telling supporters that “he must go home.”

“I want Siaya MCAs to impeach Orengo next week. Orengo must go. We’re behind the broad-based government, and we’re going to give President Ruto a second term,” said Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo.

The Linda Ground brigade pledged unity under Dr. Oburu’s leadership and urged ODM supporters to reject the Linda Wananchi faction.

They declared that the future of ODM lies with the Linda Ground team, positioning themselves as the legitimate custodians of the party’s legacy.