The pro-Oburu "Linda Ground" group, which supports pragmatic engagement and alliances with the national government under President William Ruto, and the "Linda Mwananchi" faction, aligned with figures like Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who advocate for maintaining ODM as an independent opposition force.
Homa Bay Governor and ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has been a prominent figure in the "Linda Ground" faction, led by party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga (Raila's brother and acting leader).
This group has organized a series of rallies under the "Operation Linda Ground" banner to mobilize grassroots supporters, reinforce party structures, and promote structured alliances.
Recent developments show the faction has held events in coastal areas like Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa (Tononoka Grounds), and other regions, with Wanga delivering speeches emphasizing party unity, grassroots mobilization, and alignment with national development goals.
For instance, she has defended the legitimacy of party organs and criticized rival gatherings as not truly representing ODM.
Ahead of the upcoming Linda Ground rally in Siaya—a key stronghold in Nyanza—to be led by Dr. Oburu Oginga (scheduled around late February 2026, building on recent tours), Gladys Wanga has been actively touring Luo Nyanza to rally support for the faction's agenda, including cooperation with the government ("Tutam" chants referring to alignment with Ruto's administration).
However, her efforts have faced resistance in some areas. In Nyando Constituency (Kisumu area), youth heckled Wanga during an address, chanting in support of Babu Owino and rejecting alignment with Ruto, with some telling her to "take her Ruto" elsewhere.
Similar sentiments have appeared in parts of Nyanza, where crowds have shown mixed reception or outright opposition to the "Linda Ground" push.
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