The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are set to play out publicly today, with rival camps organising separate rallies in Mombasa and Kajiado counties.
The Linda Ground faction, led by party leader Oburu Oginga, will gather at Tononoka Grounds in Mombasa to promote its Broad-Based Government (BBG) agenda.
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Meanwhile, the Linda Wananchi wing under Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna will hold an anti-BBG rally in Kitengela. Sifuna’s team is expected to begin with a church service at ACK St Peter’s Orkeju in Emunyak, Kajiado, before proceeding with their event, while the Oburu camp is scheduled to convene at Tononoka from 1 pm.
The standoff follows last week’s decision by the Political Parties Tribunal (PPT) to overturn an attempt by the Oburu-led faction to remove Sifuna as ODM Secretary General over alleged disloyalty.
Sifuna’s rally is anticipated to attract several senior ODM figures, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and deputy party leader and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. Also expected are Senators Richard Onyonka (Kisii) and Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira), alongside MPs Babu Owino, Caroli Omondi, Anthony Kibagendi, Obadia Barongo, Jack Wamboka, Clive Gisairo, Wilberforce Oundo and Patrick Makau, among others.
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As preparations continued, some ODM leaders from the Western region criticised the process used by the Oburu-led National Executive Committee (NEC) to try and oust Sifuna, arguing it violated the party constitution.
Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera stated that ODM must uphold its democratic principles and fairness, insisting that Sifuna was not granted a fair hearing. He termed the NEC’s decision unconstitutional.
On the other side, Oburu is expected to be joined by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and other senior party leaders aligned with the BBG position.
National Assembly Budget Committee Chair Sam Atandi announced his departure to Mombasa for what he described as the “grand ODM Linda Ground Rally” at Tononoka.
The pro-BBG leaders are pushing for a potential political arrangement with President William Ruto’s UDA party ahead of the 2027 elections, having formally initiated steps to exit the Azimio coalition. Among their demands is consideration for the deputy president position.
Ahead of the Mombasa rally, a truck displaying images of President Ruto and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho as a possible running mate was spotted in the city. Joho is among ODM leaders said to be eyeing the deputy slot, though allies of Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki maintain the position is not open for negotiation.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki argued that the deputy presidency should not be part of any talks, saying the current office holder is capable and should continue serving.
