Orange fever has erupted at Ahindi Gardens (also known as Aindi Grounds) today, February 21, 2026, where thousands of enthusiastic supporters have packed the venue for the high-stakes ODM “Linda Ground” rally, turning Raila Odinga’s historic stronghold into a vibrant sea of flags, chants, and unyielding energy.
From early morning, streets overflowed as residents lined the routes, waving orange banners and erupting in applause for arriving convoys. Leading the charge is ODM Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga, arriving alongside National Chairlady and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, acting Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo, and a powerhouse lineup of local leaders.
The rally, hosted by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, features heavy hitters including Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, Ugunja MP Moses Omondi, and other deputy party leaders. Adding to the star power: Siaya’s leading gubernatorial aspirant Dr. William Oduol Denge (the Deputy Governor eyeing the top seat in 2027 on an ODM ticket aligned with Oburu’s wing), and Sugar Board Authority Chairman Nicholas Odero Gumbo, whose presence underscores the faction’s focus on regional economic stakes like sugar sector revival.
Gen Z leader Kasmuel McOure’s arrival sparked fresh excitement among the youth-dominated crowd, who danced to revolutionary tunes, sang ODM anthems, and buzzed with discussions on jobs, justice, equity, and development. The atmosphere pulses with organic grassroots fire—supporters insist this is no paid spectacle, but authentic loyalty surging through Siaya town.
The “Linda Ground” team—championing “protect the bases” and pragmatic coalition talks with President William Ruto’s UDA—positions itself for structured bargaining ahead of 2027, aiming to secure tangible wins like infrastructure, youth empowerment, and more goodies for Nyanza. Leaders are set to address the roaring crowd soon, building on Oburu’s earlier engagement with Siaya MCAs at the County Assembly.
Yet the drama runs deep. Across Western Kenya, the rival “Linda Mwananchi” faction—led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, former SG Edwin Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino —is unleashing parallel mega-rallies in Kakamega and Vihiga, vowing fierce opposition to “betrayals” and high taxes. Whispers of potential heckling, cash handouts, and sabotage swirl, but Siaya’s massive, jubilant turnout screams unbreakable momentum for Oburu’s coalition-realist path.
As parallel orange waves clash nationwide, ODM’s post-Raila fracture is on full display: negotiate for power or fight from the opposition trenches? Nyanza’s pulse is racing—Kenya watches the empire’s next move unfold live at Ahindi Gardens.
