Speaking during a political meeting in Meru County on Sunday, March 15, the ODM secretary general said the website—launched to mobilise supporters opposed to the party’s cooperation with the government—would be fully restored by Monday, March 16.
According to Sifuna, volunteer IT professionals based in the United Kingdom and the United States had stepped in to help fix security vulnerabilities that caused the platform to crash shortly after it went live.
The Linda Mwananchi platform was launched by a faction of ODM leaders who have criticised the decision by veteran politician Oburu Oginga to pursue cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration led by President William Ruto.
The website was designed to allow Kenyans who support the movement to register and participate in its nationwide political activities.
However, hours after the launch, the website reportedly went offline, triggering speculation and accusations within political circles.
Addressing supporters, Sifuna alleged that the website had been deliberately targeted by political opponents.
Without presenting technical evidence, the Nairobi senator claimed the cyberattack was linked to individuals allied to the current administration.
“Our website was pulled down by Kasongo, but we will open it again tomorrow,” Sifuna told the crowd, using a nickname commonly used by critics of President Ruto.
The senator expressed confidence that the technical team working on the platform would ensure it becomes more secure once it returns online.
“Our website was pulled down by Kasongo, but we will open it again tomorrow,” Sifuna told the crowd, using a nickname commonly used by critics of President Ruto.
The senator expressed confidence that the technical team working on the platform would ensure it becomes more secure once it returns online.
He said the international IT volunteers had committed to sealing all possible security loopholes to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
According to Sifuna, the experts were working around the clock to ensure the system would be ready for public use by Monday morning.
“IT experts have volunteered from London in the United Kingdom and Washington in the United States. They have assured us they will close the loopholes that were used to crash the system so that it can be back online and Kenyans can continue registering,” he said.
The Linda Mwananchi movement has attracted several prominent ODM leaders who have publicly opposed the party’s evolving political direction.
According to Sifuna, the experts were working around the clock to ensure the system would be ready for public use by Monday morning.
“IT experts have volunteered from London in the United Kingdom and Washington in the United States. They have assured us they will close the loopholes that were used to crash the system so that it can be back online and Kenyans can continue registering,” he said.
The Linda Mwananchi movement has attracted several prominent ODM leaders who have publicly opposed the party’s evolving political direction.
Among those associated with the initiative are Babu Owino, the Member of Parliament for Embakasi East, James Orengo, the governor of Siaya County, and Godfrey Osotsi, the senator for Vihiga.
Supporters of the initiative argue that the movement is meant to safeguard the interests of ordinary citizens and maintain ODM’s traditional opposition stance.
Political observers say the launch of the Linda Mwananchi platform reflects deepening divisions within ODM, one of Kenya’s most influential political parties.
Supporters of the initiative argue that the movement is meant to safeguard the interests of ordinary citizens and maintain ODM’s traditional opposition stance.
Political observers say the launch of the Linda Mwananchi platform reflects deepening divisions within ODM, one of Kenya’s most influential political parties.
The disagreement centres on whether the party should cooperate with the ruling coalition or maintain a strong opposition role ahead of the 2027 general elections.
If restored as promised, the website is expected to serve as a digital mobilisation hub for the faction’s supporters across the country.
If restored as promised, the website is expected to serve as a digital mobilisation hub for the faction’s supporters across the country.
