DNK International By Xavier Lugaga.
Residents of Busia County are in an upbeat yet anxious mood ahead of a planned visit by senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and ODM figures Ruth Odinga and Winnie Odinga.
In interviews across several parts of the county, residents said they are eager to hear directly from the party’s top leadership on the future political direction of ODM, particularly amid growing speculation about a possible coalition with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Many described the visit as timely, noting that uncertainty within the opposition has created anxiety among grassroots supporters.
“We want to hear the message from the ODM luminaries themselves,” said a resident in Busia town.
“There is a lot of anxiety, and people need clarity on where the party is headed.”
Several ODM diehards expressed scepticism over the sincerity of any potential alliance with President William Ruto’s UDA, citing recent political events as cause for concern.
“We saw how President Ruto treated his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua,” said one long-time ODM supporter.
“That makes us question the sincerity and trustworthiness of UDA.”
Another party loyalist questioned the political logic of a coalition, arguing that President Ruto is unlikely to abandon his current Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, for an ODM partnership.
“The President needs the Mt Kenya votes, especially from the Mt Kenya East region,” he said.
“There is no way he will abandon his current deputy to accommodate ODM.”
Residents interviewed urged the visiting ODM leaders to provide clear and honest guidance, warning that prolonged ambiguity could weaken party morale ahead of the next general election.
“There is still time before the elections,” one supporter noted, “but the direction must be clear. The base needs reassurance.”
The Busia visit is expected to draw significant attention, as it comes at a time when opposition politics remains fluid and grassroots supporters are increasingly demanding transparency from party leadership
[DNK-International@February 7,2026]
