The Orange Democratic Movement has formally abandoned the “Linda Ground” slogan that dominated its rallies in recent months, marking a significant political shift as the party reorganises ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The announcement was made during a strategy meeting bringing together ODM aspirants from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties. Party leaders used the gathering to unveil what they described as a renewed focus on strengthening the ODM identity, restoring party discipline and consolidating support in its traditional strongholds.

The decision effectively ends the nationwide mobilisation drives held under the Linda Ground banner, which emerged during the party’s internal transition following the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.

While ODM leaders did not directly name rivals within the party, the discussions reflected growing tensions over competing political messaging and factional interests during a sensitive leadership transition.

Gladys Wanga, the party’s national chairperson, said ODM would now campaign strictly under its official colours and branding to avoid 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 urged aspirants to avoid campaign materials that could suggest the existence of rival camps 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 official split has been declared, the move is widely seen as an attempt by leaders aligned with Oburu Odinga to distance the party from the “Linda Mwananchi” narrative associated with Edwin Sifuna and other leaders seen as pursuing parallel political messaging.

Wanga dismissed claims of divisions inside ODM and insisted the party remained united under Oburu’s leadership.

“There are no factions. The party is ODM under Dr. Oburu Oginga as our party leader. Anything else is a splitter,” she said.

She acknowledged that the transition period had been difficult following Raila Odinga’s death but credited Oburu with stabilising the party at a critical moment.

“Transitions are never easy, particularly after the loss of a leader of the calibre of Raila Odinga,” Wanga said. “He accepted to steady the ship during a difficult moment, and today we can confidently say the ship is steady.”

The meeting also revealed ODM’s broader political calculations ahead of 2027, particularly its growing cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance.

Speaking candidly to party aspirants, Oburu Odinga said ODM intended to protect its dominance in Nyanza through zoning arrangements designed to avoid competition between coalition partners.

“This region is zoned for ODM. ODM is strong here, and UDA will not field candidates in these areas,” he said.

Oburu defended zoning as a common coalition strategy rather than a sign of weakness or political compromise.

“Zoning happens in every election. It happened in the last election, and it will happen again. It is not a new concept,” he said.

He also made clear that ODM’s future bargaining power in coalition talks would depend on how many votes and elected leaders 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,” he said.

The veteran politician urged ODM leaders in Nyanza to intensify grassroots mobilisation and avoid internal wrangles that could weaken the party ahead of the polls.

“If you people do not unite and work hard, do not expect anything in return,” he warned. “We do not want to remain in the political wilderness.”

Oburu also promised free and fair nominations, cautioning aspirants against corruption and attempts to influence party officials.

“Politics is about serving people,” he said. “Do not waste your time chasing officials. It is the members who will nominate you.”

ODM Acting Executive Director Joshua K'owino also sought to calm concerns over internal party control, insisting that all official party instruments remained secure and under proper custody.

The developments point to a party trying to steady itself after a difficult transition while quietly preparing for what could become one of Kenya’s most competitive political cycles in years.