The Linda Mwanachi faction of the Orange Democratic Party, led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo, has rejected the alliance of ODM and President Ruto.
During a major rally held in Kakamega, Sifuna stated that they will not support the re-election of President Ruto.
“Oburu is saying that ODM does not want the presidency. ODM has enough leaders who are capable of being president, including Sifuna, Babu, Orengo, and me,” stated Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Despite the warning made by Governor Fernadez Barasa and his deputy Ayub Savula to stop any rally by the Linda Mwananchi in Kakamega, Sifuna and his team defied.
A clash occurred during the rally between the Linda Mwananchi supporters and those who are supporting President Ruto, leaving one person dead and two people injured.
Sifuna and his team reaffirmed that they would field a presidential candidate to square off against President Ruto in the 2027 election.
Additionally, Sifuna accused the president of going against the 10-point agenda that he had initially signed with Raila Odinga.
Sifuna added that the president was interfering with the devolution of Nairobi County and wants to take over the control of the County’s key functions.
Linda Mwananchi has planned to continue their rallies despite police violence and facing opposition, according to Sifuna.
Also Read: Teargas Lobbed at Kakamega Venue Before Sifuna Rally
“As Linda Mwananchi, we will continue with our rallies after Ramadhan, following a request by our Muslim brothers. We will then take the rallies to Mombasa,” Sifuna stated.
Leaders of the Linda Mwananchi maintained that they will not settle for less and that the plan to divide the Western Region will not work. Mr. Osotsi stated that they will maintain unity.
“We are bringing change to Kenya, and it is these leaders here who will do it through the people,” Orengo stated during the rally.
He added that the government is not committed to fulfilling the agenda, mentioning the continued police violence during demonstrations, especially in Kitengela.
Linda Mwananchi is expected to continue their rally to several counties, including Mombasa, Narok, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Turkana, and finally Mandera.
Also Read: Headache for Ruto as Kindiki Counters Oburu
Oburu Odinga Alliance with Ruto
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Odinga has declared that President William Ruto will receive ODM’s backing in 2027.
The political stand to support Ruto by Oburu contradicts that of the ODM Secretary General, Sifuna.
“Raila left us united as Luos and in a broad-based government. Under this initiative, he directed us to work with President Ruto up to 2027. Some of the 10-point political agendas, including compensation for victims of past protests, were to be implemented by the ruling regime,” he said.
Oburu stated that Raila had issued clear directions for ODM, and Sifuna was defying them by declaring that Linda Mwananchi did not support Ruto and planned to vie for the presidential seat.
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