The leaders, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, are affiliated with the “Linda Mwananchi” faction, which has emerged as a vocal group within the party amid ongoing internal disputes.
Their attempt to hold a parallel meeting at the historic venue was initially met with resistance from security officers, who had sealed off access roads and deployed heavily armed personnel around the premises.
Authorities cited security concerns as the reason for restricting access, effectively preventing supporters and some leaders from reaching the venue.
However, in a coordinated and determined push, the leaders and their supporters managed to outmaneuver the police presence and gain entry into Ufungamano House, where they were received by hundreds of enthusiastic followers.
The breakthrough triggered chants and heightened emotions among attendees, reflecting growing frustration within sections of the party.
The situation was further complicated by the fact that a rival ODM faction, associated with Oburu Oginga, was simultaneously holding a National Delegates Convention at Jamhuri Grounds, exposing deepening divisions within the party’s leadership.
Once inside the venue, Sifuna sharply criticized the police deployment, describing it as unnecessary interference in a meeting he said had been properly communicated to the authorities.
He questioned the justification for the heavy security presence, arguing that it undermined democratic practices.
James Orengo, addressing the crowd, adopted a more forceful tone, accusing security agencies of attempting to suppress constitutional freedoms.
He declared that leaders were prepared to defend the right to assemble, a statement that energized supporters and underscored the political weight of the moment.
Tensions briefly escalated when police attempted to disrupt the proceedings, leading to a standoff before calm was partially restored through engagement and restraint.
Observers note that the confrontation highlights not only internal wrangles within ODM but also broader concerns about the handling of political dissent and freedom of assembly.
The events at Ufungamano House mark a significant moment in Kenya’s political landscape, as the Linda Mwananchi faction positions itself as a grassroots-driven movement challenging the party’s current direction.
The unfolding situation reflects an increasingly complex power struggle that could shape the future of ODM and its role in national politics.
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