ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati on Sunday, January 25, hosted Party Leader Oburu Oginga and a large section of elected leaders and party officials at Sameta Grounds, Kisii County.
The meeting was part of the Linda Ground ODM campaign, which aims to bring party members together to support the endorsement of Oburu Oginga as the ODM Party Leader and as the main negotiator in talks between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Senior party officials explained that the Linda Ground campaign is meant to ensure that important party decisions are made after hearing from members across the country.
Arati’s Plans in ODM
Simba Arati stated that the campaign is important for keeping ODM united, especially now that discussions about a possible coalition with UDA are becoming more serious.
He added that ODM is entering a critical stage of political negotiations and needs unity and discipline among its supporters.
Arati explained that the Linda Ground campaign is not just a tour, but a plan to make sure that all regions take part in shaping the party’s future.
The rally followed a Central Committee meeting earlier this month in Kilifi.
In that meeting, the party’s top leadership officially endorsed Oburu Oginga as the Party Leader and the official representative in coalition negotiations.
The Sameta meeting was organised to share this resolution with grassroots members and allow supporters in Kisii County to express their views.
“I want to promise all ODM supporters that ODM will form the next government. ODM is the biggest political party in Kenya and we can no longer be the opposition,” Arati stated.
Other ODM leaders in attendance included Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga, Junet Mohammed, Steve Isaboke, Deputy Governor Kilifi County Flora Mbetsa Chibule, and Deputy Governor Migori County Joseph Mahiri.
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ODM’S Linda Ground Programme
The Linda Ground Programme is an ODM mobilisation effort built to rally members behind the party’s current decisions and leadership direction, with a strong focus on the endorsement of Oburu Oginga.
Through county‑level forums, rallies, and regional consultations, the initiative brings supporters and leaders together to discuss and reinforce the resolutions made by the party’s top organs.
A key part of these engagements has been presenting Oburu Oginga as the preferred ODM Party Leader and the person mandated to guide the party through upcoming political negotiations.
By taking the discussion to the grassroots, the programme ensures that members across different regions understand the reasoning behind his endorsement and have a platform to express their support.
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The Linda Ground Programme also strengthens unity by connecting local structures with national leadership, keeping members informed and involved as ODM prepares for wider political talks.
A section of ODM leaders has pushed back against the Linda Ground drive and the Oburu Oginga–led direction, demanding a fresh mandate through a National Delegates Conference (NDC).
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino publicly called for an immediate NDC and positioned himself as a contender, arguing leadership questions must be settled by delegates, not rallies.
A Winnie Odinga–aligned faction similarly disputed Oburu’s swearing‑in, insisting on a formal elective process, citing legitimacy and procedure concerns.
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