Linda Mwananchi: This is why we are taking a different direction
Their main aim was to explain to voters why they are pulling in a different direction, despite belonging to the same party.
When the leaders allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)'s Linda Mwananchi faction visited the grave of the late Raila Odinga at Kang'o ka Jaramogi on Saturday evening, it was a symbolic and emotional gesture to mourn their departed pioneer leader. It was also a way of invoking his spirit to accompany them on their planned message to the Luo community the following day.
Linda Mwananchi's choice of Kisumu as their first County in Nyanza to play host to their countrywide rallies was both symbolic and strategic- it is the heartbeat of the Luo community and the place where Odinga used to come first when he wanted to issue a direction to the community.
And true to their expectation, they not only toured the lakeside city, but stormed it, sending a clear message to their rivals that they meant business.
And when they made a triumphant entry to the kaOwuor grounds, the atmosphere turned electric, from dances, speeches and political songs churned by the DJ.
Speech after speech invoked the spirit of Odinga as the leaders went on outright attack on President William Ruto and the ODM top leadership of Dr Oburu Oginga, Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Leader of the Minority in the National Assembly Junet Mohammed who they labelled as the problems bedevilling the Orange outfit.
Their main aim was to explain to voters why they are pulling in a different direction, despite belonging to the same party. They spoke to the heart, narrating their tribulations in the hands of party honchos and asking their supporters to believe and trust in them.
Led by sons of the soil Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi among others they assured their supporters that they were the true followers of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Mr Orengo never held back against President Ruto, accusing him of having been responsible for the deaths of protesters.
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"This is why we are taking Ruto home, President Ruto killed Baby Pendo, Albert Ojwang and Gen Z."
He accused some ODM figures of having "sold the party", naming Oburu Oginga, Gladys Wanga, and Junet Mohamed.
He declared that the Linda Mwananchi faction would field a presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
"There are people who were sleeping in Raila Odinga's class. Let them leave us those who were attentive to continue with the party leadership," Mr Sifuna said.
He claimed Mr Odinga had personally warned him against co-operating with President William Ruto.
"The late Raila Odinga told me that there is no way we will walk with leaders like President Ruto," Mr Sifuna said.
The Senator said he had authored the memorandum of understanding that led to a post-election agreement with the government, but declared it void following the death of Albert Ojwang.
"On that day is when I announced the agreement is null and void. That's where my predicament started," he said.
Mr Sifuna also alleged he was tricked into travelling to India to help bring Mr Odinga's body back to Kenya.
"I boarded the plane not knowing it was a plan. While we were in India, the individuals put Oburu Oginga as the party leader," explained.
He insisted he remained the legitimate Secretary General.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi accused rival ODM leaders of holding party meetings at State House and trying to hand the party to President Ruto after Mr Odinga's death.
"Before Raila's body arrived in Kenya, individuals convened a meeting in State House and pointed Dr Oburu as the party leader. Raila Odinga stated clearly that when he is not around, Prof Anyang' Nyong'o would take charge. But the individuals went to the State House and gave us Oburu," he stated.
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Mr Osotsi accused some leaders of abandoning ODM positions and aligning with the government.
"They said after Raila Odinga died, they were now orphans. Orphans have no conditions. And they went to President Ruto to take us. They said the 10-point agenda should be abolished. They went ahead to hold party meetings at the State House," he added.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino told congregants that their tour was peaceful and focused on dialogue with wananchi.
"This is home. When you are going home, you don't come with violence; you come in peace and with love. We have come to speak with the people of Kenya," he said.
He accused several politicians from Kisumu of financing violence, warning local youth against being used to disrupt political activities.
"To the politicians paying goons, we know you. You have been given money to organize violence, but you will not lead in Kisumu," the MP said, urging residents to prioritize economic empowerment over unrest.
Despite threats, intimidation and hiring of goons to disrupt and prevent them from going to the church service, holding roadside rallies and reaching the main venue of the event at kaOwuor grounds next to Elgon estate.
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It was a contest of who mobilized better between pro and anti-Linda Mwananchi, with each flexing but at the end of the day it was the people and the huge crowds that accompanied the Orengo-led team that thwarted any attempt by their rivals.
Earlier in the day, there had been tension in some parts of Kisumu with some businesses closing out of precaution, but largely activities in the town continued unabated.
Then came the Kondele gathering that saw a sea of humanity swarm the popular grounds and roads in and beneath the fly-over to listen to the leaders who had taken the city by storm.
What also stood out was the refrain from the authorities during the Kisumu tour, which to many residents, de-escalated any tension that arose.
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