Oburu Odinga has urged the factions led by Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if they disagree with the party's current direction towards power-sharing with the government. The rival groups held separate rallies in Siaya and Kakamega on February 21, 2026, with the Kakamega event facing teargas deployment. Sifuna's faction vowed to continue its Linda Mwananchi mobilization campaign despite pressures.
On February 21, 2026, Oburu Odinga spoke at the Linda Ground rally in Siaya County, stating that ODM should prioritize forming the next government and engaging in power-sharing talks with the government. "ODM, as things stand, must focus on forming the next government and is currently centred on talks over a power-sharing arrangement with the government. If anyone feels uncomfortable with this direction, they are free to leave and pursue their own political path," Oburu said. He added, "We want unity within our party, but anyone who feels uncomfortable can leave if they wish. However, we are not expelling anyone from the party." This occurred as Sifuna's faction held a rally at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega, where thousands of supporters attended despite teargas canisters being lobbed by police. Leaders including James Orengo, Godfrey Osotsi, and Richard Onyonka affirmed that the Linda Mwananchi Tour would continue, claiming Sifuna remains ODM Secretary General and that the movement follows a 10-point agenda. Orengo accused unnamed political actors of trying to weaken the party. Prior to the event, Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud alleged that armed goons were being ferried from Nairobi and that no formal notification was received. Sifuna disputed this, stating he had notified Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen via WhatsApp and the Senate group. The incident follows a February 15 rally in Kitengela where one person, Vincet Oyamo, 28, was killed by a police gunshot to the eye, with reports of two deaths and 50 injuries total, and a stone attack on the convoy on February 20 at Kona Mbaya trading centre. The rally proceeded peacefully after initial disruptions, with Sifuna urging supporters to stay and disperse teargas safely while avoiding stone-throwing at police.
