Busia County erupted in a sea of orange on Sunday, February 8, 2026, as thousands of enthusiastic supporters turned out in organic, unpaid force to welcome the explosive launch of the Linda Mwananchi Tour — a defiant grassroots campaign by a powerful faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Led by ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator and Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and allies including Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, the rally transformed Busia Town and its stadium into a roaring arena of chants, waving flags, and unfiltered political energy. Residents lined the streets, blocking paths in excitement as the leaders arrived, proving the “political wave” is not just rhetoric — it’s real and gaining unstoppable momentum.
In his signature ebullient style, Sifuna electrified the crowd with a memorable line that has since gone viral: “Baba did not train cowards!” The reference to Raila Odinga — affectionately called Baba — underscored the faction’s loyalty to the party’s founding principles of truth-telling, accountability, and fearless defense of wananchi interests, no matter the political cost.
The leaders delivered a united front against any deeper alignment or merger between ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). They insisted such a move remains impossible without full justice for victims of police brutality during past demonstrations — specifically, fair compensation for families whose loved ones lost their lives to bullets in the line of protest.
Governor Orengo and Senator Osotsi were adamant: ODM must stand alone as an independent force and field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election. “Raila Odinga stood firm for Kenyans’ interests, not political positions,” they emphasized, rejecting what they see as opportunistic compromises that dilute the party’s identity and betray its base.
SG Sifuna took direct aim at the Broad-Based Government agreement signed between Raila Odinga and President Ruto, which outlined a 10-point agenda for implementation by the head of state. He issued a clear deadline: By March 7, 2026 — marking one year — President Ruto must publicly account for progress on those points. “If he wants to extend it,” Sifuna declared, “then he must seek authority from Raila himself in Bondo.”
The Busia event served as a powerful counter to the rival “Linda Ground” initiative led by other ODM figures, highlighting deepening internal rifts. This faction positions itself as the true guardian of ODM’s roots — fighting high living costs, governance failures, excessive taxation, and perceived sellouts — while reconnecting directly with citizens under the banner of “Protect the Citizen” (Linda Mwananchi).
With massive, self-mobilized crowds and fiery speeches echoing across social media and local reports, today’s rally signals that the anti-compromise wing of ODM commands significant grassroots loyalty. As Kenya hurtles toward 2027, the Linda Mwananchi Tour — now rolling nationwide — could redefine the opposition’s trajectory and force tough conversations at the highest levels.
The message from Busia is loud and clear: No cowards, no sellouts — just an unapologetic fight for the people.
