ODM Linda Mwananchi Issues Tough Conditions for Dialogue to Oburu’s Linda Ground Faction

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) “Linda Mwananchi” faction has issued fresh demands for dialogue to allies of Oburu Odinga “Linda Ground” brigade.

Speaking amid escalating tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi one of the leading lights of the ODM “Linda Mwananchi” faction said they will only engage the rival “Linda Ground” brigade if several conditions are met.

The senator said the Linda Mwananchi camp was now ready for dialogue but only under strict conditions aimed at restoring accountability and internal democracy within the party.

‎“And so, as Linda Mwananchi, we’re saying if you want us to talk with you, Linda Ground, we have to give you conditions,” he declared.

‎Osotsi outlined five demands that he said would need to be addressed before any reconciliation talks could proceed.

‎The first demand, he said, was the establishment of what he termed an independent inquest into the political “death” of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

‎“One, we’re saying we must have an independent inquest into the death of Raila Odinga,” he said.

Osotsi also called on the Linda Ground faction to publicly acknowledge what he described as the government’s failure to implement the 10-point agenda agreed upon with Raila.

‎The senator further called for the immediate cancellation of any planned political arrangement between ODM and the ruling side.

‎“Three, the planned deal with UDA should be stopped immediately,” he said.

‎Osotsi also sought transparency regarding internal party decisions, including moves he claimed targeted him and Edwin Sifuna.

‎“Four, all the decisions they have made, including to remove Sifuna as the secretary general and me, should be reversed,” he said.

‎The Vihiga senator also called for fresh elections within ODM, claiming the Linda Mwananchi faction currently enjoys overwhelming grassroots support.

‎“Because opinion polls say Linda Mwananchi is at 76 per cent and Linda Ground is at 24 per cent, we want an election. We want an NDC to choose national officials,” Osotsi declared.

‎He maintained that, for now, James Orengo remained the party’s legitimate leader while Sifuna remained secretary general.

‎“But as for now, our party leader is James Orengo and our SG is Edwin Sifuna,” he said.

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