Breaking News: Millie Odhiambo and Ruth Odinga Officially Join Linda Mwananchi
In a major political shift, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo and Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga have officially defected to the Linda Mwananchi movement. The two leaders cited systemic mistreatment and a lack of internal democracy within the current ODM hierarchy as their primary reasons for the move.
The “Hero” Factor: The Sifuna Exit
Millie Odhiambo, known for her candid “Bad Girl” political persona, revealed that she had previously warned the “Linda Ground” faction—led by Oburu Oginga and Gladys Wanga—against the aggressive removal of Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, and Caleb Amisi.
“I warned them against chasing Edwin Sifuna out of ODM. By the nature of his politics, mistreating him only served to turn him into a hero. We have effectively created a hero out of Sifuna by forcing him to leave.”
She argued that while the “Linda Tumbo” faction (loyalists) has kept the ODM name, the “Linda Mwananchi” group—comprising Sifuna, James Orengo, Godfrey Osotsi, and Caleb Amisi—has successfully taken the “people” with them.
Allegations of Violence and Intimidation
Odhiambo detailed a pattern of intimidation used against those who raised concerns about the party’s direction:
• Physical Attacks: She claimed goons were sent to assault her during a meeting in Kilifi.
• Hostility: She reported being shouted down during official functions in Kisumu.
• The Goal: She maintains that her criticisms were always intended to strengthen ODM, not destroy it.
Ruth Odinga Rebukes Kisumu “Threats”
Kisumu Women Rep Ruth Odinga took a firm stand against recent attempts by leaders like Sam Atandi, Raymond Omollo, and Gladys Wanga to block Linda Mwananchi rallies in Kisumu.
She condemned the use of paid youth to incite violence, reminding elected leaders of their constitutional obligations:
• Freedom of Movement: Every Kenyan has the right to travel and organize anywhere in the country.
• Freedom of Association: Politicians must respect the right of others to join movements of their choice.
• Democratic Maturity: She praised the people of Kisumu for ignoring the tension fueled by a few individuals and choosing to engage with “dignity and decorum.”
Protecting the Legacy
Both leaders emphasized that their move is not a betrayal of Raila Odinga, but rather an effort to protect his spirit and the party’s legacy from internal “criminals” and intimidation.
“We know where Raila’s spirit is,” they stated, asserting that the true bastion of peace and democratic maturity now lies with the Lindamwananchi.com movement.
