The Linda Mwananchi team has arrived in Nyandiwa, Homa Bay County, despite earlier warnings from senior leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) that the group would not be allowed to hold its activities in Homa Bay Town during its ongoing tour of the county.
Upon reaching Homa Bay Town, former ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna addressed supporters and called on the party’s leadership to embrace political tolerance. He specifically challenged ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga and chairperson Gladys Wanga, accusing them of allegedly using groups of youths to disrupt Linda Mwananchi activities.
Sifuna maintained that such efforts would not prevent the team from conducting its political rallies across the region. He questioned the gathering while emphasizing that the team had successfully reached Homa Bay Town despite the reported opposition.
“Where is this place? Have we reached Homa Bay Town or not? Those using goons, led by Oburu and Wanga, will not stop us from coming here. Homa Bay is a Wantam zone,” he said.
His remarks appeared to be a direct response to concerns raised before the team’s arrival, with Sifuna insisting that political activities should be conducted peacefully without intimidation or obstruction.
He further declared that the Wantam team would continue visiting different counties in the Luo Nyanza region as part of its political mobilisation efforts. According to Sifuna, neither Oburu nor Wanga would be able to prevent the group from holding rallies in areas where it intends to campaign.
The development highlights the growing political competition within the region ahead of the 2027 General Election, with various political factions increasingly seeking to establish their influence among voters.
The Linda Mwananchi team’s visit to Homa Bay is therefore likely to attract further attention as political alliances continue to shift and rival groups attempt to strengthen their support bases ahead of the elections.
Sifuna’s remarks also signal that the group intends to maintain its activities despite resistance from sections of the ODM leadership. The former ODM official’s participation in the tour adds significance to the campaign, given his previous position within the party and his continued involvement in opposition politics.
The team is expected to continue its engagements across Homa Bay and other parts of Nyanza as it seeks to consolidate support and expand its political presence in the region.