Following successful rallies in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties two weeks ago, the Linda Mwananchi brigade has now shifted its focus to former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga’s traditional political strongholds, seeking to consolidate its support base even as it expands its reach across the country.

The move comes at a time when the ODM is battling to retain its grip on its traditional bastions. Led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, the Linda Mwananchi team hopes to capitalise on the moment by wooing supporters across the Western region.

The leaders are expected in Busia on Friday, August 7, 2026, where they will launch the latest leg of their meet-the-people tour before proceeding to Kakamega on Saturday and Sunday.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who has vowed to back Mr Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, is expected to play a key role in consolidating the Mulembe vote before the team embarks on a nationwide mobilisation campaign.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna addresses Linda Mwananchi supporters during a political rally at Moi’s Bridge in Uasin Gishu County on July 25, 2026.

Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group

In Kakamega, the leaders will take their political campaign to the doorstep of leaders allied to President William Ruto from the county, including Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Governor Fernandes Barasa, Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and more than eight MPs aligned with the broad-based government.

It will mark the team’s second visit to Kakamega following a successful tour a few months ago. The visit comes barely two weeks after Mr Oparanya held a rally in Malava, where he was proposed to become President William Ruto’s running mate and pledged to spearhead efforts to rally Western Kenya behind the president while strengthening ODM in the region.

The following weekend, on August 16, the team, led by Governor Orengo, will pitch camp in Homa Bay, one of ODM’s strongest political bastions. It will become the second Luo Nyanza county, after Kisumu, to host the Linda Mwananchi movement as it seeks to popularise its agenda.

Mr Orengo is also seeking to cement his position as the political spokesperson of the Luo community through a series of engagements in Homa Bay, Kisumu and Siaya, with plans to extend the campaign to Migori.

The Siaya governor has been making frequent visits to Homa Bay in preparation for the rally, although the groundwork has not been entirely smooth, with isolated incidents of violence reported during his tours.

Already, claims and counter-claims have emerged over an alleged plot to disrupt the August 16 rally. Even so, Mr Orengo and his team have remained resolute, insisting that nothing will derail their meetings.

Meanwhile, ODM National chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has appealed for calm ahead of the gathering.

Tensions escalated on Tuesday when the group’s interim regional coordinator, Samuel Nyauke, was attacked by a group of youths who accused him of defying the region’s political leadership.

The youths reportedly damaged property after hurling stones at a building housing his office.

The incident was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of six youths, who were later released.

“To those using violence to mark territory: Kenya belongs to all Kenyans, not political cartels. No amount of brute force will stop our movement. We will not be intimidated. We will not back down. We will be in Homa Bay,” Governor Orengo said.

Although some groups threatened to retaliate, Ms Wanga urged residents not to allow politics to divide them. She emphasised that every political formation has a constitutional right to engage peacefully with Kenyans as the country prepares for next year’s General Election.

Speaking at Anding’o Primary School in Kakelo Kokwanyo Ward, Kabondo Kasipul Constituency, the governor urged all political formations to freely tour every part of the country, including Homa Bay, and market their manifestos.

“ODM has always fought for freedom. We fought for people to go wherever they want and say whatever they want. Everyone is free to sell their agenda in any part of the country and to visit Homa Bay as many times as they wish,” she said.

Her appeal was also directed at the youth, whom she urged not to allow themselves to be manipulated into violence or political confrontation.

“Whoever has something to tell the people should be allowed to say it. They will finish and leave,” Ms Wanga said.

ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga speaks during a public meeting at Anding’o Primary School in Kabondo Kasipul on August 5, 2026. She called for peace ahead of Linda Mwananchi rally in the region.

Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group

While welcoming leaders from other political parties to Homa Bay, she maintained that the county remains firmly behind the Orange party.

The ODM chairperson said the party had developed a roadmap to strengthen its political machinery, with one of its key priorities being to broaden its membership and attract more supporters.

She added that the party intends to expand its political formation while making deliberate decisions that serve the interests of all Kenyans.

Ms Wanga reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to supporting the broad-based government, arguing that its collaboration with UDA has accelerated development across different parts of the country.

“President Ruto made a decision to leave no Kenyan behind. We are ensuring that Homa Bay receives development just like every other county. That is the journey we want,” she said.

She disclosed that ODM plans to engage United Democratic Alliance in talks ahead of next year’s General Election, maintaining that the party champions inclusivity, unlike its political rivals.

“ODM stands for inclusion while others promote exclusion. We also believe in mutual respect among all communities and peaceful co-existence across the country,” Ms Wanga said.

She was responding to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has criticised President Ruto for allegedly abandoning the vote-rich Mount Kenya region in pursuit of support from Nyanza.

According to Ms Wanga, ODM is fully prepared for next year’s General Election and is ready to face Mr Gachagua in the political contest ahead.

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