The tour is set to kick off in Busia Town this weekend and will feature public rallies, town-hall style engagements, and political forums aimed at energising ODM supporters at the grassroots.
Organisers say the initiative is designed to reconnect party leaders with ordinary citizens and amplify opposition voices on the rising cost of living, governance concerns, and the protection of civil liberties.
Among the senior figures expected to take part are Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Nyamira Senator Erick Okong’o Mogeni.
Several Members of Parliament from western Kenya and the coast have also indicated they will join the Busia leg of the tour, alongside political commentators and civil society voices who are expected to contribute to public discussions.
While the organisers have framed the campaign as a people-centred outreach programme, the political messaging around the tour reflects growing unease within ODM over the party’s strategic direction.
Many of the leaders linked to the “Linda Mwananchi” platform have been openly critical of emerging cooperation arrangements between ODM and the ruling coalition, arguing that closer ties with government risk diluting the party’s opposition role.
The rollout of the tour comes at a time when ODM is navigating internal realignments as leaders position themselves for influence in the run-up to the next election cycle.
The rollout of the tour comes at a time when ODM is navigating internal realignments as leaders position themselves for influence in the run-up to the next election cycle.
Supporters of the initiative say it offers an opportunity to consolidate a reformist wing within the party that prioritises accountability, social justice, and resistance to what they view as political co-optation.
They argue that a visible grassroots presence is necessary to maintain the party’s relevance and credibility among voters who feel squeezed by economic pressures.
On the other side of the internal divide, ODM leaders who favour structured engagement with the ruling coalition have defended dialogue as a pragmatic approach to advancing policy interests and securing development gains for regions aligned to the party.
On the other side of the internal divide, ODM leaders who favour structured engagement with the ruling coalition have defended dialogue as a pragmatic approach to advancing policy interests and securing development gains for regions aligned to the party.
