Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement has registered nearly 25,000 members since its launch on March 13, aiming to consolidate support against a Ruto-aligned faction within ODM.
Sifuna acknowledged that while the number is modest, it represents a meaningful base for political influence.
"We closed the week at just under 25k pale http://lindamwananchi.com This is impressive lakini perspective ni muhimu. 25k will get you elected MCA in almost all the wards in Kenya, MP in a few constituencies, and Senator in Lamu and Isiolo counties, going by 2022 data," he said.
Linda Mwananchi has emerged as a counter to the Linda Ground movement led by ODM loyalists aligned with Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga. Sifuna’s faction opposes President William Ruto’s influence, while Oburu’s group has publicly pledged support for Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.
Allies of Sifuna include Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi. Oburu’s camp counts ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, co-deputy party leaders, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kirinyaga Governor Simba Arati, and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.
Both sides accuse each other of being influenced by national leaders. Oburu’s faction says Sifuna’s camp is being used by former President Uhuru Kenyatta to weaken the government, while Sifuna’s faction argues that Oburu’s allies are acting as Ruto loyalists, enabling interference in ODM’s internal affairs.
With the late Raila Odinga’s endorsement absent, ODM remains deeply divided, leaving the party’s direction uncertain ahead of the 2027 elections.
