What was presented as a people-centered Linda Mwananchi rally in Kisumu quickly turned into a political battlefield, exposing the growing power struggle between Babu Owino and James Orengo over influence in ODM and the broader Luo political landscape.

Rather than focusing fully on wananchi issues, the gathering appeared to shift into a contest of political dominance, with both leaders using the platform to test their popularity and assert control over the Luo community’s political direction.

The tension was impossible to ignore.

As Babu Owino took to the stage, the crowd erupted into loud chants and cheers, with sections of the audience openly hailing him as a kingpin. His reception was electric, fueled largely by enthusiastic youth support that made his presence impossible to overlook.

Observers noted that the excitement surrounding Babu’s arrival seemed to create visible discomfort for James Orengo, who has long positioned himself as one of the region’s senior political voices.

At one point during the rally, Orengo reportedly attempted to intervene in the program before his scheduled speaking slot, signaling the intensity of the moment and the underlying political rivalry at play.

Babu Owino has built a reputation for his ability to mobilize the masses, especially among young people. Ahead of the rally, reports emerged that his grassroots teams had been actively engaging youths across Kisumu’s informal settlements, helping to create the momentum that translated into his massive reception.

For many, that overwhelming support sent a clear political message.

When Orengo finally addressed the gathering, he appeared to respond directly to the unfolding power dynamics. He questioned the unequal speaking schedule and hinted at frustrations over how some leaders were receiving more political space than others.

“Others among us have started mobilizing youth, but I have not. Yet, watch my pace; I am the Luo Kingpin,” Orengo reportedly said.

He went further, adding that he had already started reclaiming leadership by removing what he described as mediocrity within ODM.

His remarks made it clear that the battle is no longer hidden—it is now being fought openly in public rallies, with both leaders signaling their ambitions for greater influence within the party and the region.

However, many wananchi are increasingly uncomfortable with the direction this politics is taking.

To many observers, the scramble for ODM leadership and the so-called Luo kingpin title is becoming less about service and more about succession politics. The public display of rivalry raises uncomfortable questions about whether leaders are prioritizing personal political ambitions over the needs of the people.

The Luo community is not a political inheritance waiting to be divided among ambitious politicians.

It is not a dead man’s estate to be shared.

Leadership should be earned through service, vision, and accountability—not through rallies, chants, and public declarations of supremacy.

As Kisumu witnessed during the Linda Mwananchi rally, the real issue is no longer who commands the loudest cheers, but who genuinely stands for the people.