Political clashes within ODM continued yesterday, with a meeting organized in Kitengela, Kajiado County, disrupted by police. Leaders from Dr. Oburu Oginga's wing held a rally at Tononoka grounds in Mombasa, addressing the dismissal of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. Sifuna and his supporters faced chaos during their Kitengela gathering.
Yesterday, divisions within the ODM party became evident as a meeting organized by rebel leaders in Kitengela was disrupted by security officials. The gathering was attended by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who was removed from office last week but received temporary court relief. Police used tear gas to disperse supporters of the Linda Wananchi campaign, with some youths throwing stones, resulting in several injuries.
In Mombasa, Dr. Oburu Oginga led a large rally at Tononoka grounds, where he confirmed that the legitimate Secretary General is Busia MP Catherine Omanyo. “Our Secretary General is Ms. Omanyo because the decision was made that the previous one step aside due to indiscipline,” Oginga said during a service at Shalom Church. He stressed that party rules must be followed by all, and violators punished regardless of their status.
Chairperson Gladys Wanga added that the party will continue to follow Raila Odinga's leadership philosophy and protect Coast interests. Oginga's wing is leading the Linda Ground campaign to safeguard ODM's political base. In Kitengela, Sifuna stated, “Even if they finish me today, I know there are more than 15 million people who will continue this struggle.” Governor James Orengo accused Oginga of selling the party to President Ruto but vowed to persist with the fight. MP Babu Owino said they will continue reaching out to youth and women on 2027 politics without fear.
Among those criticizing Oginga were Senator Osotsi Atsieno, MPs Caleb Amisi, Anthony Kibagendi, Oundo Ojiambo, Joshua Kimilu, and Senator Richard Onyonka. Winnie Odinga, Raila's daughter, did not attend the Kitengela meeting. Chaos ensued after unidentified individuals removed a banner featuring Linda Mwananchi leaders.
