A group of elders from Vihiga County has announced its departure from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), declaring support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the emerging Linda Mwananchi movement in a move that underscores shifting political alliances in Western Kenya.
The elders, led by Vihiga Elders Council chairman and former Bahati MP Fred Omido, said they believe Sifuna has the leadership qualities needed to unite the region and restore its influence in national politics.
“We have resolved to stand with our son Sifuna because he has demonstrated courage, consistency and the willingness to speak for ordinary Kenyans. Western Kenya needs a fearless leader, and we believe Sifuna is that leader,” Omido said while addressing journalists in Vihiga.
Their endorsement comes as Sifuna continues a political tour across Western Kenya, holding rallies in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties. The campaign is widely seen as an effort to expand his support base in a region traditionally influenced by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Over the weekend, Sifuna also received backing from a section of elders in Bungoma County, led by former Cabinet minister Musikari Kombo, who endorsed him as a spokesman for the Luhya community.
Reading a statement on behalf of the Vihiga elders, Dr Job Osiako said the group’s decision to leave ODM followed growing dissatisfaction with the party’s internal direction.
“We have left ODM because it no longer represents the aspirations of many people in this region. Linda Mwananchi offers hope, accountability and a fresh political direction,” Osiako said.
The elders argued that Sifuna’s removal as ODM Secretary-General, a decision he is challenging in court, had strengthened rather than weakened his political standing. The senator has maintained that the process leading to his removal violated the party’s constitution.
Speaking during recent rallies in Bungoma and Kitale, Sifuna urged ODM to allow members opposed to the party’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration to pursue alternative political paths without interference.
Linda Mwananchi has emerged as a platform bringing together leaders who oppose the broad-based political arrangement between sections of the opposition and the government. The movement has attracted growing interest from parts of Western Kenya and beyond.
Tiriki elder Oscar Bulemi described ODM as having lost its footing in the region and urged residents to rally behind Sifuna’s political agenda.
“The future of this region is in Linda Mwananchi. We shall mobilise our people to support Sifuna through votes and financial contributions because this movement belongs to the people,” he said.
Patrick Ongaya echoed those sentiments, arguing that Western Kenya should unite behind leaders capable of mounting a credible presidential campaign.
“The region is ripe to produce a president. That journey starts by uniting behind leaders who have demonstrated courage and commitment to the people. We cannot continue playing second fiddle in national politics,” Ongaya said.
Political analysts say the endorsements reflect an increasingly competitive race for influence in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election. While endorsements by elders can shape public opinion, their impact on voting patterns often depends on whether they are matched by strong grassroots organisation.
The developments also highlight wider divisions within ODM following recent leadership disputes and differing views over the party’s relationship with President William Ruto’s administration. Whether Sifuna can convert symbolic support into a broad political movement remains one of the key questions as the country’s political landscape begins to take shape ahead of the next election.
About the Author
