ODM's Linda Mwananchi storms Mombasa, vows 2027 win
Politics
By
Willis Oketch
| Mar 30, 2026
The ODM faction christened ‘Linda Mwananchi’ yesterday held a massive rally in Mombasa, signalling that it could evolve into a political party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Unlike a fortnight ago when the rival Linda Ground faction, led by Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, mobilised crowds, yesterday’s gathering at Tononoka Grounds was largely spontaneous, with youth participation dominating the event. Tension gripped parts of the city as armed youths patrolled the streets.
Speakers called for the removal of President William Ruto in 2027, accusing the United Democratic Alliance government of mismanaging the economy and causing widespread suffering.
The leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, also criticised the government over an alleged plan to sell the Port of Mombasa to fictitious companies. Sifuna further accused President Ruto of failing to fulfil his campaign promise to settle the landless along the coast, arguing that squatters on land owned by absentee landlords had been ignored.
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The faction opposed to Dr Oburu Odinga’s leadership is beginning to take shape, with indications that youthful leaders could field a presidential candidate in 2027.
Addressing the rally, Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashaku urged youths to lead the campaign against President Ruto, warning that he had only issued title deeds to small landholders while leaving large tracts of land with absentee landlords. He urged locals to support Sifuna, whom he described as carrying forward the late Raila Odinga’s vision for the coast.
Governor James Orengo addresses Mombasa residents during Linda Mwananchi's rally at Tononoka ground in Mombasa. March 29, 2026. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]
“We have capable leaders in this team who can lead the country. We are calling on youths to register as voters ahead of the 2027 election and vote out leaders who have burdened Kenyans,” said Mwashaku. He added that the coast must now take charge of its resources after years of exploitation.
Sifuna reaffirmed that he remains the legal ODM Secretary-General despite his refusal to work under Oburu Odinga. Orengo, Suba East MP Carol Omondi, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Otsosi, and legislator Richard Onyonka were warmly welcomed before addressing the crowd.
Orengo warned that the next general election would be different from previous ones, vowing that rigging would not succeed. He criticised ODM supporters backing Ruto’s re-election, claiming they had betrayed Raila’s ideals. The leaders pledged to coordinate with the united opposition to prevent a second term for President Ruto.