ODM leaders accuse Linda Mwananchi of provoking violence to undermine the party

A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders has accused the Linda Mwananchi movement of deliberately provoking political tensions and violence in parts of Nyanza, alleging that the strategy is aimed at discrediting the party and its leaders.

Speaking in Kisumu on Sunday during a church service at the Voice of Salvation and Healing (VOSH), Homa Bay Governor and ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi called for restraint and peaceful political engagement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Wanga urged politicians to embrace unity and avoid actions that could deepen divisions in the country.

“We are praying that as we go to elections, this country remains united because we all walk the same journey. Nobody must remain outside; we should preach politics of unity and we should play politics that brings this country together,” Wanga said.

Wandayi accuses Linda Mwananchi of provoking chaos

Wandayi launched a strong attack on the Linda Mwananchi team, accusing its leaders of using political mobilisation to provoke violence and subsequently blame ODM leaders for the resulting chaos.

The Energy Cabinet Secretary said recent violence witnessed during opposition rallies in Nyanza was not accidental but part of what he described as a deliberate strategy to inflame emotions among voters.

“We want peace and tranquillity in our counties of Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay. If you plan a political rally, please do so with good intentions, but not as a way of provoking violence so that you bastardise some people and make us look bad,” Wandayi said.

His remarks come days after violent scenes were reported during Linda Mwananchi activities in Homa Bay, where political tensions escalated and journalists covering the events were also reportedly attacked.

The allegations by ODM leaders come amid competing narratives over who was responsible for the unrest, with Linda Mwananchi leaders maintaining that their movement was targeted and attempts were made to sabotage its activities.

ODM leaders defend Ruto

The Kisumu meeting also turned into a show of support for President William Ruto, with local ODM leaders backing his bid for a second term in the 2027 election.

The leaders cited the government's development record and the broad-based arrangement as reasons for supporting Ruto.

Kisumu West MP Roza Buyu said Ruto had demonstrated an interest in developing regions that had historically received less investment.

“He knows and believes that he is the president of one country called Kenya, and that is why he looks at Kenya and looks at those parts of Kenya that have not been developed, and he chooses to bring them up,” Buyu said.

Wanga similarly defended the broad-based government, saying it had brought different groups into the national political conversation.

“Our president has brought everyone of us to the table—whether it is the church, whether it is the farmer, whether it is anybody. This broad-based government has become for everybody,” she said.

Calls for calm ahead of 2027

The leaders urged politicians and voters in Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay to reject political violence and maintain peace as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.

The latest accusations further expose the growing political contest within Nyanza, where rival factions are seeking to shape public opinion and build support ahead of the next election.

With Linda Mwananchi expanding its activities in the region and ODM leaders defending their political position within the broad-based government, Nyanza is emerging as a key battleground in the unfolding 2027 political contest.