by Timothy Cerullo on Saturday, 25 April 2026 – 3:41 pm ODM party leader Oburu Odinga during the ODM Central Management Committee in Vipingo, Kilifi, on January 12, 2026. Photo Oburu Odinga Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has criticised the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) Linda Ground faction led by Oburu Odinga, warning that the Western region could reconsider its political stand if it continues to be sidelined. Speaking in Lugari, Kakamega County, on Friday, April 24, Oparanya expressed frustration over what he termed a growing disregard for Western leaders within the party’s current leadership. The former ODM deputy party leader contrasted the present situation with the leadership style of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying the region previously enjoyed recognition and respect under his stewardship. “I want to tell those leaders of ODM, this time, do not take us for granted. Raila respected us. Now, those leading ODM after Raila’s death should also respect us. If they do not respect us, we will quit,” Oparanya said. Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, addressing Kakamega residents on Friday, September 19, 2025. Photo Wycliffe Oparanya He added that leaders from Western Kenya had played a key role in building the party, but now feel excluded from key decisions and power-sharing arrangements. According to the CS, the current leadership appears more focused on seeking power within President William Ruto’s administration than addressing the needs of grassroots supporters. “We were very close, and we were even leaders in those parties. Yet now they are just continuing with their activities. They are now just demanding power,” the CS stated. “They have forgotten the people of Western. We also want power. They should not think that they are the only ones who want power,” he added. Oparanya warned that the alleged continued disregard of the Western region could trigger a political shift ahead of the 2027 General Elections. Oparanya’s comments follow the growing division within the ODM party that has prompted the formation of a rival Linda Mwanachi faction led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. While the Linda Ground faction is accused of sidelining the Western region, the Sifuna-led pact has intensified grassroots mobilisation , particularly in ODM strongholds. The Linda Mwananchi movement is expected to kick off its activities in Vihiga on Saturday, April 25, before proceeding to Kisumu on Sunday, April 26, for the main rally. His remarks also come on the back of planned talks between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over a new broad-based political arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election. President William Ruto and ODM party leader, Oburu Odinga, in Siaya for a development tour on March 8, 2026. PCS William Samoei Ruto . Latest News Murkomen Declares Parts of Marsabit County Disturbed and Dangerous Sun, 26 Apr 2026 – 5:54 pm Gladys Wanga Reveals ODM’s Plan for DP Slot in Ruto Coalition Talks Sun, 26 Apr 2026 – 5:09 pm KHRC To Take Ruto’s UDA to Court Sun, 26 Apr 2026 – 4:19 pm Ruto Announces Construction of Multi-Billion Dual Carriageway Linking Four Counties Sun, 26 Apr 2026 – 3:42 pm EPRA Reveals New Electricity Charges for April Power Bills Sun, 26 Apr 2026 – 3:23 pm KRA Announces New VAT Changes Affecting Exporters Sun, 26 Apr 2026 – 2:34 pm Kenyan Marathoner Sebastian Sawe Breaks World Marathon Record Sun, 26 Apr 2026 – 1:45 pm IG Kanja Issues Orders After 7 Killed in Kitui in Retaliatory Attacks Sun, 26 Apr 2026 – 1:02 pm Ruto Makes Over 30 Fresh Government Appointments Sun, 26 Apr 2026 – 12:11 pm KPLC Begins Crackdown on Debt Through Token Purchases Sun, 26 Apr 2026 – 11:15 am FIFA Intervenes After Suspension of Hussein Mohammed, Issues Notice to FKF Sun, 26 Apr 2026 – 10:50 am Scores Killed as Attackers Open Fire At Civilians in Kitui Sun, 26 Apr 2026 – 9:45 am Load More