Governor Fernandes Barasa has expressed support for the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi team holding their rally in Kakamega, despite his alignment with the Oburu Odinga-led faction of ODM in the county.
Speaking on a local media station Friday, February 20, 2026, Barasa emphasized that ODM is a democratic party, allowing members to engage freely with the public. He stressed that he would not block rival party activities. Barasa send this powerful message to Edwin sifuna
“Mimi ni wa mrengo wa Linda Ground. Ukiangalia jina ODM, ni chama cha demokrasia. Wacha watu wafanye mkutano wao bila matusi. Mimi sina shida na mtu yeyote,” the governor said.
He urged the Sifuna team to avoid insults and name-calling, emphasizing that political rallies should remain civil and focus on engaging the public rather than provoking tensions.
The Linda Mwananchi rally comes amid internal party divisions, with disagreements between party leader Oburu Odinga and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna sparking the creation of the breakaway event in Kakamega.
Scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, the rally will start in Mbale before climaxing at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega Town, attracting party supporters and curious residents from across the county.
Barasa’s message signals a diplomatic approach to managing factional rivalry, promoting unity within ODM while respecting the rights of all members to mobilize and engage with voters.
Political analysts say the governor’s stance reflects strategic foresight, balancing loyalty to the Linda Ground faction with the need to uphold the party’s democratic ethos.
Organizers have assured residents that the rally will be orderly, with emphasis on political dialogue, avoiding confrontations that have previously marred ODM gatherings in the region.
The event is expected to provide a platform for both leaders to communicate their vision for the party and engage directly with Kakamega residents ahead of the next electoral cycle.
