Sifuna, the Nairobi Senator stressed that he remains true to the voices of ordinary Kenyans and that his leadership reflects their aspirations.

“You are the ones who sent me,” Sifuna declared, highlighting that his positions come from the people he represents, even as critics threaten his position within the party.

Taking a firm stance against aligning with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Sifuna told the crowd that the group would not support policies that do not align with ODM’s values or the late Raila Odinga’s vision.

He also challenged those who once doubted the rally’s success, quoting opponents who said, “we will not enter Busia, where are we now?” to applause from supporters.

Thousands of supporters turned up at the Busia event as part of the newly launched Linda Mwananchi tour, a grassroots mobilisation initiative aimed at strengthening the party’s base and charting its direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sifuna’s remarks come amid escalating internal debates within ODM over cooperation with the national government and the route the party should take as it prepares for future elections

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The vocal legislator, addressing a charged crowd alongside ODM leaders including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, criticized party colleagues who have shifted focus from grassroots activism to what he termed corporate interests.

“The party we have now is ODM Limited. It is a company that now focuses on making money,”Babu declared, drawing attention to how the party has drifted from its activist roots.

The MP pointed to the success of past protests, noting how the demonstrations have influenced political appointments and government policy.

“We are now being told that the party cannot produce a presidential candidate, nor does it want a deputy presidential position,” he stated, highlighting what he sees as a retreat from the party’s original mission.

Babu’s stance comes from his consistent record of joining protesters on the streets, actions that have previously cost him his security detail and brought him into confrontation with government authorities.

He also issued a stern warning to sections of the ODM senior leadership, telling supporters that the party’s grassroots would “deal with” leaders he accused of betraying its core ideals.

The Embakasi East MP said the movement belongs to ordinary members and vowed that any internal attempts to “sell out” the party would be fiercely resisted.

“I want to warn the ODM senior leadership, if you betray the party and its supporters, we will deal with you. ODM belongs to the people, not a few individuals,” the MP stated

The Linda Mwananchi Tour represents a new chapter in ODM’s internal struggle, with dissidents using the platform to challenge current party direction and reaffirm their commitment to street activism as a catalyst for political transformation.

The tour is expected to continue across various counties as the faction seeks to mobilize grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The post Babu Owino: Kenyans Will Picket and Demonstrate Because It Brings Change appeared first on Insider Bits News.

Speaking at a packed rally in Busia County during the Linda Mwananchi Tour, Orengo joined forces with fellow ODM leaders including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to deliver a clear message: the Orange Democratic Movement must remain an independent opposition force.

“Nobody can dare auction the ODM party,” Orengo declared to roaring crowds, switching between Kiswahili and English. “We will not be swallowed by any other party.”

What stood out at the Busia rally was the nature of the crowd itself, thousands of supporters turned out with little to no orange-branded merchandise, suggesting an organic groundswell rather than a choreographed political event.

The turnout appeared to validate claims by Orengo’s faction that they represent the authentic voice of ODM’s grassroots base.

The opposition wing of ODM, led by Sifuna, Orengo, Babu Owino, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Caroli Omondi, Joshua Kimilu, and Obadiah Barongo, positions itself as the custodian of the party’s founding principles against what they describe as an opportunistic faction that has been co-opted by the Ruto administration.

“ODM Must Field a Presidential Candidate”

Orengo was unequivocal about the party’s 2027 strategy: ODM must field its own presidential candidate and cannot join forces with UDA.

“ODM cannot join UDA, it will not happen,” he insisted.

“No one will force us to join a government that we do not agree with. ODM must field a presidential candidate.”

His remarks drew a sharp line between his faction and ODM members who have taken positions in Ruto’s government or suggested closer cooperation with Kenya Kwanza.

Orengo and his allies argue that such arrangements represent opportunism rather than principled politics, and that they dilute ODM’s identity as an opposition force.

The rally comes amid a bitter internal struggle over the party’s future direction.

While some ODM figures have embraced working arrangements with the government, Orengo’s wing accuses them of abandoning the party’s core values in pursuit of political expediency.

By casting the debate as one between ODM’s “real owners” and “founding members” versus what they characterize as a compromised wing, Orengo’s faction is making a play not just for control of party strategy but for its very soul.

The Linda Mwananchi Tour appears designed to demonstrate that significant grassroots support exists for maintaining ODM’s independence, and that the party’s base will resist any attempt to sell out to the current administration as Kenya moves toward the 2027 General Election.

The post Orengo Declares ODM Will Not Join Ruto’s UDA at Busia Rally appeared first on Insider Bits News.

Speaking to members of the Kenyan diaspora on July 11, 2025, Gachagua reaffirmed DCP’s foundational slogan, “Skiza Wakenya” (“Listen to Kenyans”), urging exiled citizens to unite behind his cause for justice, accountability, and democratic renewal.

Since exiting the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Gachagua has dedicated months to consultations that culminated in the launch of DCP in May 2025.

The party was unveiled with a bright logo depicting a listening ear and official colors of neon green, white, and brown.

Gachagua appointed experienced leaders including Cleophas Malala as interim Deputy Party Leader and Mithika Linturi as National Organizing Secretary.

The Seattle satellite office marks DCP’s first major step onto the international stage and is intended as a platform to engage Kenyan communities abroad and collect testimony on governance-related issues back home.

In Seattle, Gachagua who is on a few weeks visit shared ambitious plans to hold President William Ruto and his administration accountable for alleged human rights abuses.

He revealed he has assembled a team tasked with gathering legal evidence, including deaths, abductions, and displacement cases, to present to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“We are compiling records to ensure justice is served,” he declared.

The address, held to an audience of Kenyan expatriates, emphasized DCP’s commitment to ensuring diaspora voices are heard in Kenya’s political discourse.

Gachagua touted the party’s structure as inclusive and citizen-led, contrasting sharply with what he described as the ruling government’s detachment and mismanagement.

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