ODM’s Linda Ground mobilisation Western tour off to a strong start
Tour underscores ODM’s renewed grassroots push as high-stakes coalition talks with UDA take shape.
The Orange Democratic Movement kicked off its Western Kenya support mobilisation tour on Saturday, marking an early push to consolidate its traditional strongholds ahead of next year’s general election.
Dubbed Linda Ground, the two-day exercise began with a delegates’ meeting at Kakemer in Malaba town, followed by a public rally later in the afternoon.
The initiative is aimed at re-energising the party’s grassroots structures and reaffirming loyalty among its support base.
The mobilisation drive is being led by party leader Oburu Oginga, alongside joint deputy party leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
The leaders were joined at the delegates’ meeting by Iteso community leader Emorimori Paul Sande Emolot.
“Tumerudi ground! Lazima tulinde ground! Tulinde chama! Tulinde Kenya,” Oburu told delegates, rallying them to chant the Linda Ground slogan.
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga speaking during the delegates meeting in Malaba, January 17, 2026.
Iteso community leader Emorimori Paul Sande Emolot with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, January 17, 2026.
Wanga said the inter-county tour marks a critical first step in rebuilding momentum from the grassroots and strengthening the party’s structures ahead of the 2027 polls.
On Sunday, the team is scheduled to hold another delegates’ meeting at the Golf hotel in Kakamega town before addressing a public rally later in the afternoon.
ODM national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga speaking during the delegates meeting in Malaba.
She said delegates, leaders and party members from across Busia county unanimously endorsed resolutions passed by ODM’s Central Committee, including a decision to initiate coalition talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“This collective mandate sets our course to initiate structured talks for a pre-election coalition, assess the implementation of the 10-Point Agenda, and revitalize the party’s nationwide grassroots network,” Wanga said.
The ODM delegates meeting in Malaba
Meanwhile, the Committee on the Implementation of the Ten-Point Agenda and the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report has stepped up its activities as the first anniversary of the agreement approaches.
Top of the agenda is the full implementation of the NADCO report.
The committee, chaired by former nominated senator Agnes Zani, is racing against time to assess the status of the agreements reached on March 26, 2025.
The outcome of the review is expected to shape the direction of the ODM–UDA talks, particularly on whether the opposition party will ultimately back President Ruto’s re-election bid.
And here is Ruto and his UDA party in Nyeri this week. It is bloody scary for the opposition as they watch the reality unravelling and there is nothing they can do to stop it. Good for them.
Now these two big national political parties are on the verge of merging together as a team to form the government after the August 10, 2027 elections. That is the reality on the ground today. Great, isn’t it? The real question is what they want to achieve for the country and that is a question Kenyans must and will ask very loudly.
And here comes the brave and gallant opposition.
DCP Holds Kilifi Retreat Amid Mass Defections
The Democratic Congress Party is holding a retreat in Kilifi this weekend amid a wave of defections from its ranks. Party leader Rigathi Gachagua will rally MPs and other officials to discuss nominations, membership drives and strategies for the future.
The event comes as Gachagua admitted that only 21 MPs remain firmly aligned with him. It follows recent exits that have shaken the young party.
The retreat starts Friday and runs through Sunday at a coastal hotel. Around 20 MPs are expected, along with governors and elders from Mount Kenya and other areas. Gachagua plans to address internal unity and push for more recruits.
Defections have hit DCP hard lately. Juja MP George Koimburi announced his exit on January 15. He said Gachagua betrayed him by entertaining rivals like Aloise Kinyanjui. Koimburi claimed he stood by Gachagua during tough times but got sidelined.
He now backs President Ruto again. DCP fired back fast. They said Koimburi was never a full member and might have spied for Ruto. The party claimed he faced criminal cases slowed in exchange for info. Koimburi denied that and said he left on his own.
Other defections add to the pressure. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba accused Gachagua of intimidation after she left DCP last week. She said party goons harassed her for speaking out. Wamuchomba now aligns with Ruto too. DCP denies any role in threats.
The Kilifi retreat tests Gachagua’s grip. With only 21 loyal MPs, he needs to stop more losses. Discussions will likely cover loyalty pledges and benefits for staying. Some insiders say he might name a running mate early to rally support. Others worry about funding without government ties.
