Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has dismissed the growing influence of leaders linked to ODM’s Linda Mwananchi faction, saying they do not have the capacity, resources, or structure to mount a serious political force outside the Orange Democratic Movement.
In a phone interview with Radio Generation on Wednesday, Kaluma said the group may have visibility due to the positions held by some of its members, but that alone is not enough to sustain a political movement capable of shaping national direction.
“I don’t think they will impact much. They will suffer still, but they don’t have the gravitas and the resources...that can enable them influence the politics going to the future,” Kaluma said.
The Linda Mwananchi faction is associated with a section of ODM leaders drawn from different levels of government, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, among others holding elected offices across the country.
Despite their political profiles and public roles, Kaluma maintained that the group is unlikely to successfully break away and build an independent political formation.
“I don’t see them going on their own… they will not go under any other, their own separate thing,” he said, suggesting that their political future remains tied to ODM structures and direction.
He further indicated that ODM is already taking steps to safeguard its positions in areas where loyalty among members is being questioned, including identifying possible replacement candidates where necessary.
“The moment fidelity to the party is questioned, we immediately begin identifying the alternative candidate to take that seat and bring it back,” he said.
Kaluma added that the party is actively reviewing its chances in key regions, with particular focus on Nairobi, which he described as a critical battleground.
“Nairobi Senate… we are already doing opinion analysis… we are weighing between three good candidates there,” he noted, adding that similar preparations are ongoing for other competitive positions, including the Nairobi gubernatorial race.
He stressed that political strategy is continuous and requires constant adjustment depending on emerging dynamics.
“In politics every second, every minute, you are moving, you are strategizing,” he said.
The ODM party has in recent months been experiencing internal differences between rival camps, commonly referred to as Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground, over the party’s direction and its approach to possible cooperation with the United Democratic Alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The divisions have been visible through parallel political activities and competing positions on leadership and alliances, reflecting a widening gap within the party.
The situation has also led to disciplinary action within ODM, including a show-cause notice issued to Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and the removal of Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi from his role as deputy party leader, moves that have further exposed tensions within the party hierarchy.
Kaluma’s remarks add to the ongoing debate within ODM as different groups continue to push competing views on leadership, alliances, and the future direction of the party, especially as political realignments continue to take shape ahead of the next general election.
