The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially terminated the Linda Ground slogan that characterized nationwide political rallies in recent months, marking a significant strategic shift as the party works to rebuild, rebrand and strengthen its support base before the 2027 General Election.
During a gathering uniting ODM aspirants from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties, party leaders introduced a new mobilization approach focused on reinforcing the ODM identity, restoring internal discipline and preparing the party for what leaders called a crucial struggle for political influence and negotiating power in the next administration.
This decision effectively concludes the nationwide rallies conducted under the Linda Ground banner, which had surfaced after internal succession realignments following the death of former ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The move represents a calculated effort by the Oburu Odinga-led faction to differentiate itself from the Linda Mwananchi group associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and certain leaders perceived to be advancing a separate political narrative within ODM.
Although no leader explicitly mentioned Sifuna during the meeting, repeated warnings against confusion, fragmented messaging and parallel campaigns highlighted ongoing tensions within the party as ODM navigates one of its most sensitive transitions in years.
ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga stated the party would now campaign exclusively under the ODM name and official colors to prevent mixed political branding.
“We established a movement called Linda Ground to solidify our support base, but some individuals came and instead of developing their own movement, they joined this Linda initiative and created confusion,” explained Wanga.
She cautioned aspirants against creating campaign materials that might suggest internal divisions within the party.
“When designing your posters and campaign materials, keep them distinctly ODM. The color is orange. We need clarity,” she emphasized.
Wanga maintained there were no factions within ODM and asserted the party remained united under Oburu’s leadership.
“There are no factions. The party is ODM under Dr. Oburu Oginga as our leader. Anything else is a splinter. Anyone else, when prepared, should simply return to ODM because ODM remains robust,” she said.
Wanga acknowledged the transition had been challenging, particularly after losing a leader of Raila’s stature, but praised Oburu for stabilizing the party during what she described as a tumultuous political period.
“Transitions are never simple, especially after losing a leader of Raila’s magnitude. We didn’t even seek Oburu’s permission before appointing him party leader because the party required immediate stability,” she said.
“He agreed to stabilize the vessel during a difficult moment, and today we can confidently state the vessel is steady,” she added.
The meeting also revealed ODM’s broader political strategy for the 2027 general election, with the party openly announcing plans to implement zoning arrangements in its traditional strongholds under a broader cooperation framework with President William Ruto’s UDA party.
Addressing aspirants directly, ODM party leader Oburu Odinga stated the party’s dominance in Nyanza would be maintained through negotiated political agreements designed to prevent internal vote division between coalition partners.
“This region is allocated to ODM. ODM holds strength here, and UDA will not contest these areas,” he said.
Oburu defended zoning as a standard political tactic in coalition arrangements, dismissing criticism from opposition leaders who have recently attacked the concept.
“Zoning occurs in every election. It happened in the last election, and it will recur. It’s not an innovation,” he said.
Oburu further revealed that ODM’s political leverage in future coalition negotiations would depend entirely on the number of elected officials and votes the party secures in 2027.
“When negotiations commence, parties will ask how many MPs you delivered, how many MCAs you brought and how many presidential votes you secured. That determines your share in government,” he said.
He urged Nyanza region leaders to unite behind the party and enhance grassroots mobilization to strengthen ODM’s national bargaining position.
“If you fail to unite and work diligently, do not anticipate anything in return. We do not wish to remain politically isolated. We intend to be in government, and we shall negotiate based on our numerical strength,” he said.
The ODM leader also reassured aspirants that the party would conduct free, fair and transparent nominations, warning against corruption, intimidation and attempts to influence party officials through financial means.
“We will ensure nominations are free and fair. If you enter politics to accumulate wealth, you will regret it. Politics is about serving the public,” he said.
Drawing from his extensive political experience, Oburu advised aspirants against depending on party officials for political survival, stating nominations would ultimately be decided by ordinary ODM members.
“Do not waste time courting officials. It is the members who will nominate you, not office holders,” he said.
He further cautioned incumbents against complacency, informing them that all elective positions would become available once the election period begins.
“When that time arrives, no position belongs to anyone. All positions become open. Those currently serving must demonstrate their achievements to the people,” he said.
ODM Acting Executive Director Joshua K’owino also addressed concerns about recent claims regarding party control and official documents.
“As trustees, we are custodians of all party instruments, and they remain intact and securely with us. This should not even be a subject of debate,” he said.