Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has strongly backed ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna’s concerns that the party headquarters spent nothing on the high-profile ‘Linda Ground’ rallies, which feature helicopters, massive tents, branded merchandise and large crowds, raising fresh questions about the source of funding and exposing deepening divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement nearly a year after the death of founding leader Raila Odinga.
In a detailed statement posted on her official Facebook page on December 18, 2025, Ruth Odinga questioned the attacks on Sifuna, who is a signatory to the party’s bank accounts, and demanded transparency on who is bankrolling the rallies. “I stand with Edwin Sifuna on this matter,” she wrote. “The ‘Linda Ground’ events are expensive—choppers, tents, sound systems, branding, logistics. Yet the ODM headquarters has not spent a single shilling on them. Who is paying? Governors? Philanthropists? Private individuals? Let the truth be told.”
She further noted that ODM has a pending legal claim for Sh12 billion in funds allegedly owed by the National Treasury, questioning why the party is not using such resources if they exist. “If we have a legitimate claim of Sh12 billion sitting in court, why are we not using it to fund party activities?” Ruth Odinga asked. “And if we do not have the money, then where is the cash for these lavish rallies coming from? Sifuna is right to ask. He is not the enemy; he is the party’s bank signatory and has a duty to protect its finances.”
The statement comes amid growing internal friction within ODM, which has been without its charismatic founder since Raila Odinga’s death in late 2024. The March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding between ODM and President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition, initially seen as a bridge to unity, is set to expire in March 2026, and tensions have escalated with the emergence of rival political tours.
Sifuna has been leading a parallel initiative dubbed ‘Linda Mwananchi’, focusing on grassroots mobilization and accountability, while the ‘Linda Ground’ rallies—largely organized by figures aligned with the party’s pro-Ruto faction—have been criticized for their high cost and unclear financing.
Ruth Odinga described the attacks on Sifuna as unfair and politically motivated. “He is being vilified for doing exactly what a Secretary-General should do—ask questions about money,” she wrote. “Instead of answering, some people choose to shoot the messenger. That is not ODM culture. Raila taught us accountability, not blind loyalty.”
She called for unity ahead of the 2027 elections but insisted that unity must be based on transparency. “We are approaching 2027. The country needs a strong, united opposition. But unity cannot be built on secrets, hidden funding and intimidation of those asking legitimate questions,” Ruth Odinga added. “Let us return to the values Baba stood for: openness, justice and putting the people first.”
Political observers say the public exchange highlights a widening rift within ODM between those who support deeper cooperation with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and those who favour a return to opposition politics. The March 2025 MoU, which saw Raila Odinga appointed African Union Commission candidate, was meant to stabilize the party after internal turmoil, but his death has left a leadership vacuum.
ODM National Chairman John Mbadi has not directly responded to Ruth Odinga’s statement but has previously defended the ‘Linda Ground’ rallies as people-driven initiatives supported by well-wishers. “These are grassroots events organized by committed supporters,” Mbadi said in a November statement. “They are not funded by the party secretariat because they do not need to be.”
Sifuna, however, has maintained that the party must know the source of funds to avoid legal and reputational risks. “As Secretary-General and a signatory, I have a fiduciary duty,” Sifuna said in a recent interview. “If helicopters and tents are appearing at rallies, someone must explain who is paying and why.”
The row has drawn reactions from across the political divide. UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar described it as “ODM eating itself.” “They are fighting over money they do not have,” Omar said. “Meanwhile, Kenya Kwanza is delivering development.”
Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka called for calm. “We must not destroy the house Baba built,” Kalonzo said. “Let dialogue prevail.”
As the expiry of the Ruto-ODM MoU approaches in March 2026, observers expect more public disagreements. Ruth Odinga’s intervention has added fuel to the debate, with many seeing her as aligning with Sifuna’s call for transparency.
The coming months will likely see intensified manoeuvring within ODM as factions position themselves for 2027. Whether the party can maintain unity or fractures further remains one of the key questions heading into Kenya’s next election cycle.
