Mixed Reception Greets ODM Faction Opposing Broad-Based Deal
In Ugunja town, the leaders were forced to cut short their address after a group of youths disrupted the rally with chants of “Ruto two term!” The heckling made it impossible for the speakers to proceed, prompting the convoy—en route to Busia for a scheduled rally—to leave the area hurriedly
By : Mweru Mbugua
A political tour by a splinter faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, received a mixed reception across parts of Western Kenya, with supporters and critics expressing sharply contrasting views
In Ugunja town, the leaders were forced to cut short their address after a group of youths disrupted the rally with chants of “Ruto two term!” The heckling made it impossible for the speakers to proceed, prompting the convoy—en route to Busia for a scheduled rally—to leave the area hurriedly
Earlier, the group had planned to attend a church service in Alego Usonga Constituency, but the visit was abruptly cancelled under unclear circumstances
Despite the earlier disruptions, the delegation received a warm welcome upon arrival in Busia, where thousands of residents lined the streets to receive them. This came after earlier tension in the town, during which goons reportedly barricaded a major highway
Addressing supporters in Busia, members of the Linda Wananchi group strongly criticised an ODM faction allied to party leader Oburu Oginga, accusing it of “selling out” the party to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA)
The Orengo-led team maintained that they would not enter into any new political agreement with UDA unless President Ruto first implements a ten-point agenda previously signed between him and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga
Also read : Mbadi Calls for Expulsion of ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna
Speaking at a rally held at Busia Stadium, the leaders said they do not recognise the Oburu-led faction, accusing it of attempting to auction ODM’s political influence to UDA
Meanwhile, youths in Ugunja who disrupted the tour accused the ODM splinter group of failing to embrace participation in government. They said their priority was development and economic empowerment, pledging their support for President Ruto’s re-election bid
