By Bonface Mulyungi
Leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have announced plans for three consecutive days of protests in June.
Speaking during a service PAG Kivumbini Church in Nakuru County, Siaya Governor James Orengo, a principal in the faction, said the demonstrations will be held on June 24, 25 and 26 to coincide with the anniversary of Gen Z-led protests.
“June 25 is coming, and we all remember Gen Zs lost lives for this country. So as Linda Mwananchi, we are asking you on June 24, 25 and 26 to make this country ungovernable. And that has happened before,” Orengo told congregants.
He added that the faction would not relent in what he termed as a struggle to “liberate the country,” vowing resilience in the face of possible state pushback.
“We do not fear any prison, we do not fear death. We do not fear anything but fear itself,” he declared. “The hour has come and the hour is now. This is a one-term administration.”
Orengo was accompanied by a host of elected leaders allied to the faction, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Sifuna said the faction’s presence in Nakuru was deliberate, aimed at spreading its message of governance reforms and defending civil liberties.“Many are asking what we are doing in Nakuru. We have a message for the people here that this country can have good leadership, one that respects human rights,” Sifuna said.“We want Kenyans to live in an environment free of corruption.
You cannot tell us you are building roads when human rights are abused every day and people are being killed.”
He added: “We just want to liberate this country, and nobody will stop us—even if we are thrown in a den of lions.”On his part, Osotsi dismissed claims of internal divisions within the movement, alleging attempts to sow discord among its supporters.“I will not be cowed. We will not be intimidated as Linda Mwananchi,” Osotsi said.
“They attacked me in Kisumu to cause bad blood between Luos and Luhyas so that our movement collapses. We are steadfast and we will fight for the final and most important liberation in this country and nobody will stand in our way.”Babu also rallied supporters, describing Orengo as a key pillar of the movement’s leadership.
“As Linda Mwananchi, we will liberate this country, and the people who will do that are members of this team. People like Governor James Orengo-he is the source of our wisdom,” Owino said.
He further called on the government to address youth unemployment, warning against the alleged use of young people for political violence.“Goons’ nonsense must end.
Goons should be given proper jobs. The government should stop hiring young people as goons,” he said, adding that the faction would continue its engagements in Kisumu.
