ODM Rift Grows After Junet Links Party Faction to Rigathi Gachagua
Politics in Kenya? It never really sleeps. And right now, the spotlight is firmly on the growing ODM internal wrangles that seem to be spilling out into the open.
Over the weekend in Mombasa, things got loud. Not just the cheers. The accusations too.
Junet Mohamed Calls Out ‘Linda Mwananchi’ Faction in Mombasa Rally
Standing before a charged crowd at Tononoka Grounds, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Director of Elections Junet Mohamed didn’t hold back.
He renewed claims that the “Linda Mwananchi” faction within the party is allegedly working closely with DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua. Yes, that Rigathi Gachagua.
Junet was speaking during a “Linda Ground” rally, and you could tell — this wasn’t just political talk. It felt personal. Frustration? Maybe. Concern? Definitely.
He accused the faction, which is associated with embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, of quietly weakening ODM from the inside.
And then came the moment that made the crowd lean in.
“They Should Just Join Him and Leave Us Alone”
Junet didn’t just hint. He went straight to it.
“When you look at the leaders on this dias, they are all from ODM. But we have seen our colleagues who are meeting in Kitengela, they are addressing rallies alongside people from other political parties like Jubilee, Wiper and even there was someone from DCP.”
You could almost hear the tension hanging in the air.
“We know they are aligning with Wamuyoro, and they should just join him and leave us alone,” Junet stressed.
Strong words. No filters.
In politics, alliances matter. Optics matter even more. And Junet’s message was clear — if you’re ODM, be ODM. If not? The door’s right there.
Orengo and Babu Owino Told to Make a Decision
It didn’t stop there.
Junet also mentioned Siaya Senator James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino directly. He challenged them to walk away from the party if they were unhappy with its direction.
That’s not a casual suggestion. That’s a political line in the sand.
The bigger question now? Is this about ideology… or positioning ahead of 2027?
Rallies, Realignments and Silent Political Signals
Junet also questioned why MPs allied to the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party were present at recent rallies in Busia and Kitengela.
To him, that wasn’t coincidence. It was coordination.
He suggested their participation could point to deeper political realignments quietly taking shape behind the scenes.
And if there’s one thing Kenyan politics has taught us, it’s this — realignments rarely announce themselves politely. They just happen.
Sifuna, Orengo and Babu Respond from Kitengela
Meanwhile, miles away in Kitengela Town, the leaders in question were holding their own parallel rally.
Edwin Sifuna. James Orengo. Babu Owino. And others.
And they weren’t silent.
They denied any claims of disloyalty. According to them, they remain firmly committed to ODM’s founding ideals. No secret deals. No political betrayal.
At least, that’s their position.
But with public rallies happening on the same weekend, narratives clashing, and accusations flying, one thing is obvious — ODM isn’t having a quiet moment.
Is ODM Facing a Turning Point?
So where does this leave the party?
Internal disagreements aren’t new in Kenyan politics. They happen. But when leaders openly challenge each other in public rallies, it signals something deeper.
Is this just healthy debate within a democratic movement? Or is it the early stage of a political split?
Time will tell.
For now, though, the ODM internal wrangles are no longer whispers in backroom meetings. They’re out in the open. Loud. Public. And impossible to ignore.
And as always in politics — the real story may just be beginning.
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ODM Rift Grows After Junet Links Party Faction to Rigathi Gachagua