The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially abandoned the “Linda Ground” political slogan that had dominated its recent nationwide rallies, marking a significant strategic shift as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting bringing together ODM aspirants from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties, where party leaders unveiled a renewed mobilisation strategy centred on rebuilding party structures, consolidating support bases and strengthening ODM’s bargaining power in future coalition negotiations.
The move signals a deliberate effort by the Oburu Odinga-led leadership to reassert ODM’s identity amid growing internal tensions and political realignments following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
ODM shifts focus back to official party identity
ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said the party would now conduct all its political activities strictly under the ODM name and official orange branding to eliminate confusion among supporters.
“We created a movement called Linda Ground to consolidate our bases, but some people came and instead of thinking about their own movement, they came to this Linda movement and created confusion,” Wanga said.
She warned aspirants against creating campaign materials that suggest the existence of factions within the party.
“When you do your posters and campaign materials, let them remain ODM. The colour is orange. We do not want confusion,” she added.
Although no leader directly mentioned Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, repeated references to “parallel movements” and “mixed messaging” pointed to underlying divisions within the party as ODM navigates a sensitive transition period.
Wanga maintained that ODM remained united under Oburu Odinga’s leadership.
“There are no factions. The party is ODM under Dr Oburu Oginga as our party leader. Anything else is a splitter. Anybody else, when they are ready, should simply come back to ODM because ODM remains strong,” she said.
Oburu defends zoning strategy with UDA
ODM party leader Oburu Odinga used the meeting to openly defend zoning arrangements between ODM and President William Ruto’s UDA party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking candidly to aspirants, Oburu said ODM strongholds in Nyanza would remain protected through negotiated coalition agreements aimed at avoiding internal competition between allied parties.
“This region is zoned for ODM. ODM is strong here, and UDA will not field candidates in these areas,” Oburu said.
He dismissed criticism surrounding zoning arrangements, saying such strategies were common in coalition politics.
“Zoning happens in every election. It happened in the last election, and it will happen again. It is not a new concept,” he stated.
Oburu further told aspirants that ODM’s influence in future government negotiations would depend entirely on the number of elected leaders and votes the party delivers in 2027.
“When negotiations happen, people will ask how many MPs you brought, how many MCAs you brought and how many presidential votes you delivered. That is what determines your share in government,” he said.
Party leaders urged to strengthen grassroots support
Oburu challenged ODM aspirants to intensify grassroots mobilisation and stop depending on party officials for political survival.
“If you people do not unite and work hard, do not expect anything in return. We do not want to remain in the political wilderness. We want to be in government, and we shall negotiate based on our numbers,” he said.
He also warned against corruption and money politics during party nominations, insisting ODM would oversee free and fair primaries.
“We are going to ensure there is a free and fair nomination. If you want to join politics to make money, you will regret it. Politics is about serving people,” Oburu said.
Drawing from his decades in politics, the veteran leader cautioned incumbents against complacency.
“When that time comes, no seat belongs to anybody. All seats become vacant. Those who are serving now must work and show the people what they have done,” he added.
ODM says party transition remains stable
Wanga acknowledged that ODM had faced a difficult political transition following the death of Raila Odinga but praised Oburu for stabilising the party during the uncertain period.
“Transitions are never easy, particularly after the loss of a leader of the calibre of Raila Odinga. We did not even ask Oburu for permission before naming him party leader because the party needed stability immediately,” she said.
“He accepted to steady the ship during a difficult moment, and today we can confidently say the ship is steady,” she added.
ODM Acting Executive Director Joshua K’owino also dismissed claims questioning control of party instruments and documents.
“As trustees, we are custodians of all the party instruments, and they are intact and safely with us. That should not even be an issue for debate,” he said.
The latest shift marks one of ODM’s biggest political recalibrations in recent years as the party seeks to reorganise itself, preserve its traditional support base and position itself strategically ahead of the 2027 contest.
