Senior ODM leaders Edwin Sifuna, Godfrey Osotsi, and Caleb Amisi have stayed away from key party events in western Kenya. Their absence has been felt during the ongoing Linda Ground county tours. The tours are being led by ODM leader Senator Oburu Oginga and are meant to strengthen party support at the grassroots.
Oburu has already arrived in Busia County to launch the campaign. He shared photos online showing a warm welcome by Busia Governor Paul Otuoma. Teso North MP Oku Kaunya and local elders also joined the event. The team began activities in Malaba before moving across the county.
The Linda Ground tours were announced on January 16 after a consultative rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Kibra. The Kamukunji meeting focused on unity and listening to party members.
Leaders discussed future alliances and the party’s direction after Raila Odinga. Oburu urged calm and assured members that no one would be forced out of the party.
Western Kenya remains a strong base for ODM, but internal divisions are beginning to show. One faction supports closer cooperation with President William Ruto’s government, a position backed by several governors, including Paul Otuoma. Another group prefers ODM to remain independent and vocal in opposition politics.
Sifuna, Osotsi, and Amisi are influential figures both in western Kenya and Nairobi politics. They have often spoken strongly on accountability and democratic values.
In recent weeks, they have held separate meetings with elders to discuss regional issues, including the Ikolomani gold mining dispute.
Their absence in Busia and at Kamukunji has raised questions within the party.
Supporters are wondering whether it signals deeper disagreements over strategy. In past mobilization drives, the three leaders played visible roles, making their silence during these tours more noticeable.
The Linda Ground tours are set to move to Kakamega on January 18 as organizers push to energize party members. Oburu continues to lead the campaign across western counties as ODM seeks unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Local leaders say the tours are meant to collect views from villages and towns. Members are encouraged to speak freely about their expectations and concerns.
Organizers believe open dialogue will help reduce tension and prevent divisions within the party as preparations for the next general election continue.
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