Leaders allied to the ODM Linda Mwananchi faction on Sunday held a church service at Covenant Church Ntulele in Narok County before proceeding to a political rally that was briefly disrupted.
The gathering brought together several opposition leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi.
Speaking during the church service, Orengo called for a renewed push for political freedom, urging the church to play an active role. He stated that “freedom is coming, and it will not be given by those in power; we must fight for it, and I urge the church to be part of this struggle.”
He also emphasized the need to protect the legacy of the late Raila Odinga, saying “it is shameful that the great party of Raila Odinga can fall into the hands of people who do not share his vision, and it is our duty to safeguard his ideals.”
Nairobi Senator Sifuna reiterated calls for internal democracy within ODM, noting that “those of us who stand with Baba want a National Delegates Conference where leaders are elected through a fair vote.” He criticized attempts to limit competition and insisted on transparent processes.
On electoral matters, he urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to adopt credible systems ahead of 2027, warning that tensions could rise if trust in the process is compromised.
Addressing youth employment, Sifuna stated that “we are not against manual jobs, but young people cannot go through school only to end up in work that does not match their qualifications. We want jobs that reflect their education.”
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino defended political expression in places of worship, saying “the church is actually the best place to speak about leadership, because leaders are chosen by God and cannot lie while in church.”
Vihiga Senator Osotsi, speaking humorously, referenced a recent aviation scare and asked for prayers, noting that some passengers now jokingly avoid flights when certain leaders are onboard.
Meanwhile, Saboti MP Amisi raised concern over alleged abductions, stating that authorities must account for missing persons, including Raphael Tuju, insisting the matter was “non-negotiable.”
After the church service, the leaders proceeded to a rally in Narok town, which was briefly disrupted after a teargas canister was reportedly thrown into the crowd. Residents reacted by chasing away police officers, allowing the rally led by Sifuna to continue.
