The opposition movement Linda Mwananchi has formally announced its split from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and declared plans to register as an independent political party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a rally in Voi on Saturday, Siaya Governor James Orengo accused ODM of abandoning its founding principles by associating with a government linked to corruption, extrajudicial killings, and land grabbing.
“ODM has died. We can no longer stay in a party that has betrayed the people,” Orengo told supporters.
The announcement was backed by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, the former ODM deputy leader.
Linda Mwananchi spokesperson and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi called on the Registrar of Political Parties to approve their registration, alleging that President William Ruto had issued directives to block the movement.
“We are telling the President: release our party,” Omondi said.
According to the movement’s leaders, Governor Orengo will serve as party leader while Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been fronted as the movement’s presidential candidate for 2027.
This comes a few days after the Nairobi Senator was removed as the Senate Deputy Minority Whip and replaced by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced the leadership change in a communication to the House during Thursday afternoon’s plenary sitting.
“By a letter dated 16th July 2026, I received correspondence from the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Stewart Madzayo, regarding the removal of Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip and the election of Senator Eddy Gicheru Oketch to replace him,” Speaker Kingi told the House.
The latest development comes a week after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) formally recognized Sifuna’s removal as ODM Secretary General, bringing to an end month of uncertainty following a National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution that ousted him from the party’s top administrative position.
In a letter addressed to Sifuna at his Parliament Buildings office, the Registrar of Political Parties said his removal complied with both the Political Parties Act and the ODM Constitution.
The development marks a major realignment in the opposition ahead of next year’s polls.
