Linda Mwananchi team targets Odinga bastions with campaigns in Busia
The Linda Mwananchi Movement is actively campaigning in Raila Odinga's traditional strongholds in Western and Nyanza, Kenya, aiming to capture his political base. The movement seeks to position itself as the primary opposition following the ODM's decision to join the government.
Why it matters
This shift in political strategy signals a potential realignment of Kenya's opposition landscape as new movements attempt to fill the vacuum left by established leaders.
Nairobi Senator and Linda Mwananchi leader Edwin Sifuna at Bumala, Busia county, on Friday August 7, 2026
The Linda Mwananchi Movement on Thursday stepped up its campaigns to penetrate Raila Odinga's traditional political strongholds, pitching camp in Busia as it seeks to inherit the former ODM leader’s once-solid support base.
The movement held rallies in Butula and Nambale constituencies as part of a sustained grassroots mobilisation that will next head to Kakamega before culminating in a major rally in Homa Bay on August 16.
The itinerary is significant because the three counties have for years formed the backbone of Raila's political support.
They have consistently voted overwhelmingly for the former Prime Minister, while electing ODM leaders in successive elections.
In the 2022 general election, Raila beat President William Ruto by more than 177,000 votes in Busia, while Kakamega handed him more than half a million votes.
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