Inside ODM’s Growing Divisions as Olekina Prepares Nyanza Comeback Tour
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has raised some serious eyebrows with a stark warning that he’s sending out regarding what he thinks are deliberate attempts to knock the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) off its feet – as he starts to get into gear for a series of major political rallies to be held across Nyanza.
Posting a pretty direct message on his official X account on Tuesday, April 28th 2026, the outspoken lawmaker lets it be known that he’s now got his sights set on Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori – places that have historically been seen as sort of ODM’s stronghold.
And from the tone of this message, he definitely doesn’t plan to keep a low profile during this visit.
Rallies Meant to “Reignite the Base”
Olekina reckons the rallies won’t be just about getting crowds together; he’s actually got in mind to reconnect with party grassroots and remind supporters of where their loyalty really lies – and that’s with ODM leader Raila Odinga – “Baba” to many of his followers.
He sounds like he thinks time is of the essence, almost like he thinks something is starting to slip and needs to be sorted before it’s too late.
A Direct Warning to Rivals
He didn’t pull any punches.
“We can’t end up like they did with KANU, under any circumstances! The schemes going on to kill off the Orange Democratic Movement? You can bet your bottom dollar this is a warning: we are way, way stronger than you can even imagine! Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori be on your toes – I’m heading your way VERY soon with one message: let’s get the fire going and remind you who stuck by Baba through thick and thin!,” Ledama declared.
Words that are both strong and very deliberate.
By referencing KANU – a party that was once top dog but is now in decline – Olekina is basically drawing a line in the sand and saying that ODM won’t be heading down the same path.
Internal Friction Within ODM Comes Into Focus
He made these remarks at a time when its clear the cracks in ODM are getting harder to overlook
For instance you’ve got factions like “Linda Mwananchi” and “Linda Ground” pulling in different directions, with the issues of leadership and zoning in the mix as well as debate over potential alliances
To put it bluntly, it’s not complete chaos – but things are far from calm either
Battle of Narratives After Kisumu Rally
The tension was pretty evident at a recent rally in Kisumu County on Sunday, April 26, 2026
The “Linda Ground” crew was trying to downplay the impact of the rival “Linda Mwananchi” rally – even though it certainly drew a decent crowd
By Monday, April 27, they were insisting that the event didn’t dented ODM’s grip on the region at all
What’s interesting is that the rally actually went off without a hitch – even if there were earlier worries it might get disrupted somewhere along the line
Still – all that hasn’t stopped the criticism flying back and forth
Claims of “Choreographed Crowds”
Leaders from Linda Ground camp – with Gladys Wanga at the helm – basically said the turnout was all staged, that people were probably even paid to attend
“Hiyo ni ndoto ya mchana. Ni ndoto ya mchana kwa sababu chama kime fanya uamuzi na sisi tunaendelea na huo uamuzi wa chama wale wa kuota waendelee kuota,” Wanga said (roughly translated that means “That’s a fantasy dream. It’s a morning fantasy because the party made a decision and we will follow the party’s decision”)
Her comments suggest a divide that goes way beyond disagreements about what happened – it’s about who’s really in charge and who’s got the most influence
What This Means for ODM Moving Forward
So what’s really going on?
On the surface ODM’s still strong in Nyanza – but beneath that, it seems like there’s a fight brewing for control of the party, and for its future direction
One big thing to watch is what happens at Olekina’s rally – will it bring the base together or make the in-fighting even worse?
Either way, expect all eyes to be on Nyanza in the coming days
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Inside ODM’s Growing Divisions as Olekina Prepares Nyanza Comeback Tour
