ODM Unveils 2027 Strategy but Stays Silent on Linda Mwananchi Split

The Orange Democratic Movement has launched an ambitious 13-point ODM 2027 strategy for recapturing power, but resolutions from its high-stakes Mombasa retreat carry one glaring omission: not a single word about the Linda Mwananchi faction tearing the party apart from within.

ODM adopted the resolutions on the second day of a three-day gathering at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa. The blueprint covers grassroots mobilization, candidate scouting, artificial intelligence integration, voter registration, and youth empowerment.

The resolutions read out by the deputy secretary general speaks of a party that is “bigger, greater and likeable to all and sundry.” It does not mention Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo, Godfrey Osotsi, or the movement they lead, the faction that has spent months challenging the party’s leadership.

ODM 2027 Strategy Sidelines Rival Faction Leaders

The silence is telling. ODM Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo had confirmed before the retreat that the party extended invitations to Sifuna and Orengo.

She challenged the Linda Mwananchi leaders to attend and unite the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

They did not come. Meanwhile, when the resolutions emerged on Monday, their absence from the text was as loud as their absence in the room.

The retreat brought together 90 Members of Parliament, 13 governors, Cabinet Secretaries, and the party’s National Executive Council. Organisers placed emphasis on unity, inclusivity, and strategic direction.

However, the faction whose members claim to represent more than half of ODM’s county structure was neither at the table nor in the document.

How Raila Odinga’s Death Fractured ODM

The backdrop is a party still navigating the shock of losing its founding leader. When Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, ODM lost more than a leader, it lost its centre of gravity. His passing triggered sharp disputes over the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 general election.

Two rival camps emerged with competing visions. On one side, the Oburu Oginga-led establishment, now calling itself Linda Ground, advocates a negotiated arrangement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance.

On the other, the Linda Mwananchi faction launched its tour in early February 2026, engaging ordinary citizens on the cost of living and firmly rejecting any endorsement of Ruto’s re-election bid.

Reunion Conditions Remain Far Apart

The conditions for any reunion remain formidable. Former ODM deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi, a principal in Linda Mwananchi, insists the first and irreducible demand is competitive, free, and fair party elections. He argues that Orengo would beat Oburu convincingly. He also claims Linda Mwananchi controls 30 county party chairs out of 47.

That claim sits uncomfortably alongside the Mombasa resolutions. The party secretariat now has a mandate to scout and identify candidates willing to contest on the ODM ticket across the country, presumably in those same 30 counties.

Within Oburu’s own camp, voices of caution are growing. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo warned publicly that the party’s handling of dissenting members could backfire. She pointed to Sifuna as a case study, arguing that ODM’s treatment of him has only elevated his public standing.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo went further. He revealed he directly warned Oburu before the earlier Mombasa National Executive Council meeting that moving against Sifuna was improper and would hurt the party. Only three of 41 NEC members voted against Sifuna’s removal.

ODM Gives Itself One Month to Act

The Mombasa resolutions make no reference to any of this internal turbulence. Instead, ODM projects confidence and forward momentum.

The party commits to deploying AI technology in its 2027 campaign, revamping its youth and women leagues, activating chapters in universities, and pushing the state to release political party funds.

ODM has given itself one month to report back to its Central Committee on implementation progress.

Whether Linda Mwananchi remains a separate movement by then or becomes a deeper wound may well determine whether the ODM 2027 strategy leads to power or to a split that benefits neither side.