Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders have criticised the newly launched Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) following the heckling of Wiper Patriotic Front leader and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka during the group’s launch.
The ODM leaders accused members of the movement of disrespecting Kalonzo, questioning how a senior politician who previously served as Kenya’s Vice President could be denied an opportunity to address a political gathering.
Speaking at Kenyatta Stadium in Maralal, Samburu County, during an empowerment programme for victims of banditry, the leaders urged Kalonzo to reconsider his political allegiance and join their camp.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed led the criticism, accusing the Linda Mwananchi faction of contradicting its stated commitment to freedom of speech, democracy and constitutionalism.
“These are the same people who are telling us wana support mambo ya freedom of speech, hawa ndio wanataka demokrasia, constitutionalism…and they cannot allow a senior citizen like Kalonzo Musyoka, a former Vice President, to speak in their gathering,” Junet said.
The ODM leaders described the incident as political backwardness and challenged Kalonzo’s supporters to question whether the treatment he received reflected the respect he deserved as a veteran politician.
ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also expressed disappointment over the incident, saying Kalonzo should not be subjected to public humiliation by fellow opposition leaders.
“Mimi nashtuka sana na mambo ya Kalonzo. Sasa anaenda pale, mzee wa taifa anafanyiwa madharau, anapigiwa makelele, anaambiwa wewe kaa chini, fuata sijui nani. Kalonzo ndugu yetu, wewe umekuwa mzee kwa muda mrefu na mimi nauliza ata wafuasi wote wa Kalonzo, nyinyi mnapenda Kalonzo akifanyiwa madharau kama ile jamani?” Wanga posed.
ODM Predicts Defeat for United Opposition
Wanga also criticised the opposition-led faction, claiming it lacked direction and had yet to agree on a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.
She predicted that disagreements within the opposition would prevent the group from settling on a candidate, while insisting that ODM and its allies were already organising themselves for the next election.
“Hawana candidate, watapambana, watapigana kwa mahoteli, ikifika next year February bado hawatakuwa na candidate. Sisi tutakuwa tumejipanga…William Samoei Ruto ako hapa, Oburu Oginga, team hii kubwa iko hapa…tutavaa jersey zetu na game ni 90… saa mbili asubuhi itakuwa ni two term,” Wanga said.
Her remarks signalled ODM’s continued support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, amid growing political realignments and disagreements within opposition ranks.
Joho Declares ODM Support for Ruto’s 2027 Re-election
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho also used the gathering to declare his support for Ruto’s second presidential term, dismissing claims that certain political factions held a stronger stake in the country’s political future.
“Wanasema wao ndio wako na shareholding mingi sisi hatuna, mimi nataka niwaambie na waelewe safari hii mwaka wa 2027 urais wa Kenya tunampatia William Samoei Ruto…2032 utakuja kwa jamii chache,” Joho stated.
The remarks come amid divisions and competing political interests involving ODM, the United Opposition and the Linda Mwananchi Movement, with different factions positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.
Meanwhile, ODM leaders are expected to lead the Nairobi chapter event on Saturday as part of activities marking the culmination of the Mwezi wa Baba celebrations.
