Former journalist Gordon Opiyo has cast doubt on the financial backing of the rebel ODM faction led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, ahead of the planned Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega on Saturday, February 21.
The rally comes on the heels of Sifuna unveiling a campaign truck intended for the event.
Opiyo, who claimed to have extensive experience in political logistics, warned that organizing a mega rally of this scale is a costly affair.
“Fueling 120 Prados from Nairobi to Kakamega and back, hotel, food, and accommodation for 400 people for at least three days, security arrangements, hiring 2,000 Bodas for entry impact, and ten heavy trucks with political speakers—these costs can never be less than 110 million shillings,” he said.
He further highlighted the added expense of tear gas, often used to disrupt meetings after speakers have addressed the crowd.
“Do you think Sifuna can afford all these? Do you think Babu can?” Opiyo asked, referring to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has also clashed with the party leadership in recent weeks.
Opiyo suggested that only a few political actors in Kenya could mobilize the resources required for such a rally: the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, President William Ruto with the Kalenjin elite, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta alongside the Kikuyu elite.
“Now that Raila is gone, only two remain capable: Ruto and the Kalenjin elite, or Uhuru and the Kikuyu elite,” he noted.
He questioned the motives of the Sifuna-led faction in attempting to seize power within ODM after two decades of Kikuyu-dominated leadership.
“After 20 years of Kikuyu rule, why should power return to that zone? In the interest of regional balance, should other zones of Kenya be allowed to grow their influence?” Opiyo asked, emphasizing that political ambition exists across all regions.
The remarks come amid rising tensions within ODM as Sifuna pushes forward with the Linda Mwananchi campaign, despite the absence of formal party endorsement.