The dramatic confrontation in Homa Bay on Sunday has exposed the intensifying battle for control of the late Raila Odinga’s Nyanza political turf as rival factions position themselves for the 2027 General Election.

The Linda Mwananchi brigade, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, defied roadblocks, attacks and difficult alternative routes to enter and hold rallies in Nyandiwa, Sindo and Homa Bay town. Their arrival marked the most direct challenge yet to the grip that President William Ruto and his allies have been seeking to establish in Nyanza since the 2022 election.

On one side is the ODM faction opposed to Dr Ruto’s re-election and now operating under the Linda Mwananchi banner. On the other is the pro-government camp, which has increasingly used development and access to government as its political pitch to the region. At the centre of the contest is Homa Bay County, traditionally one of ODM’s foremost political bases.

ODM influence

For decades, virtually every elected leader in the county has ridden to office on the ODM ticket. The county has also produced some of the party’s most influential leaders, including its longest serving chairman, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, and current chairperson Governor Gladys Wanga.

With Mr Odinga’s death last year leaving a huge political vacuum, Homa Bay has become an important test of who can claim his political inheritance. Ms Wanga, who has been linked to a possible running mate position in Dr Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, is under pressure to defend ODM’s traditional turf while demonstrating that the party’s alliance with the Kenya Kwanza administration has delivered tangible benefits.

Read: Unease as ODM demands DP slot, 50pc share of State posts

Since taking office, Dr Ruto has deliberately increased his political and development presence in the region, which overwhelmingly rejected him in 2022. Homa Bay has been one of the main staging grounds for that effort, with the President making several high-profile visits and using government projects to build a new political narrative.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna acknowledges supporters during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Butula, Busia County, on August 7, 2026.

Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation

His administration has pointed to projects, including the completion of Raila Odinga Stadium, Homa Bay Pier, Koginga Beach Fish Market, the State Lodge, affordable housing, the Mfangano-Rusinga Islands Ring Road, the refurbishment of Tom Mboya University and the construction and tarmacking of roads.

The President has also brought several prominent leaders from the region into senior government positions, including Mr Mbadi as Treasury Cabinet Secretary and Dr Raymond Omollo as Interior Principal Secretary. But the Linda Mwananchi camp is pushing a different argument that roads, stadiums and other projects cannot replace accountability, democratic rights and respect for the rule of law. That battle of narratives played out yesterday.

In the days before the rally, the political temperature rose sharply. After Linda Mwananchi announced its programme, the Governor Wanga camp toured some of the planned venues and mobilised supporters to stay away from the opposition rallies. The leaders, meanwhile, arrived determined to demonstrate that Mr Odinga’s political influence had not disappeared with his death. On Sunday, Mr Sifuna told residents that development should not be used as a substitute for constitutional rights and accountable leadership. “Baba told us to place democracy, freedom and respect for the rule of law above everything else, but some people want to lie to you that development is enough even if it means killing Albert Ojwang,” he said in reference to the murder of teacher and activist Ojwang, who was from Homa Bay.

Linda Mwananchi Brigade in Nyandiwa, Homa Bay County, on August 16, 2026 during their rally.

Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group

He argued that a government that respects the rule of law would have no difficulty delivering development. “As Sifuna, building roads and stadiums cannot be difficult for me, but what I promise you is I will uphold the rule of law, protect your rights and will never kill your children,” he said.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi similarly challenged the development narrative, arguing that the region was not receiving a fair share of national investment. He claimed that the government had invested about Sh50 billion in the region, which he said was equivalent to a single major project in Rift Valley. Mr Omondi also accused the government of taking over sugar firms in the region, citing Miwani and Chemelil, both in Kisumu County.

Human rights

The opposition's argument is that development cannot be used to make residents forget alleged killings, abductions and other human rights abuses. Mr Omondi told residents to accept whatever benefits from the government but vote according to their conscience.

Mr Orengo went further, turning the rally into a statement about who should carry Mr Odinga’s political legacy. He accused President Ruto of failing to address longstanding grievances in Nyanza, including the Migingo dispute, and criticised the government for its handling of protests and extrajudicial killings.

Mr Orengo claimed that a large proportion of those killed during the 2024 Gen Z protests were from the Luo community. He also warned police officers against their handling of the political confrontation in Homa Bay, saying he would pursue legal action against those responsible. The most striking declaration came when he sought to position himself as the political heir to Mr Odinga. “This is where the spirit of Raila is; it did not die with him. Leadership is taken, not given, and that is why I am the remaining Raila,” Mr Orengo said.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna addresses residents of Nyandiwa during the Linda Mwananchi rally on August 16, 2026.

Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group

He also announced that Linda Mwananchi would mark the first anniversary of Mr Odinga’s death on October 15, when it would demand answers from the government over his death. The Homa Bay rally offered a glimpse of the coalition that Linda Mwananchi could assemble ahead of 2027.

Potential bridge

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi were also present. Mr Owino presented Mr Orengo as a potential bridge between opposition leaders who have struggled to unite. He said Mr Orengo could help bring together leaders, including Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition figures behind a single presidential candidate. “This is the person who will bring all these leaders to the table and decide on one leader,” Mr Owino said.

Mr Natembeya and Mr Osotsi also sought to reassure supporters that the opposition's growing alliances would not undermine the historic relationship between the Luo and Luhya communities. Mr Natembeya said the opposition needed to consolidate its support across Western and Nyanza.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.

roudia@ke.nationmedia.com