Gaucho Bans Babu and Sifuna from Nyanza as “Linda Mwananchi” Heat Rises
The internal fissures within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have taken a dark and dangerous turn following a viral video by Gaucho, a prominent activist and close ally of the Odinga family. In a direct and profanity-laced warning, Gaucho has “banned” ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino from stepping foot in Migori County for their scheduled “Linda Mwananchi” tour. Gaucho, who identifies himself as the “Ghetto President,” claimed that Migori is a “different world” governed by “paramilitary” forces he likened to Russia’s Putin, warning Sifuna specifically to expect “maximum violence” if he dares to visit.
The conflict stems from the emergence of the Linda Mwananchi movement, which is being spearheaded by leaders like Sifuna, Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo. While these leaders remain technically within ODM, their movement is increasingly seen as a challenge to the established party hierarchy, which has recently leaned toward a “broad-based” cooperation with the government. Gaucho’s threats reflect a deep-seated loyalty to the “Odinga core,” as he explicitly stated that while the Odinga children—Winnie, Raila Junior, and Rosemary—would be safe in Nyanza, the “rebel” politicians are now targets.
In response to the threats, Sifuna has maintained a defiant stance, stating that the movement will proceed with its planned tours regardless of the risks. “Even if they have to be killed, let them be killed,” Sifuna reportedly remarked, a sentiment the Iko Nini Podcast hosts criticized as dangerous “martyrdom” that puts innocent supporters in the crossfire. The podcast hosts argued that Kenya’s politics is devolving into a “game of thugs and bullies” rather than a “game of ideas,” lamenting that such open threats of violence are being tolerated because they align with pro-government interests within the ODM structure.
As the tension mounts, the focus shifts to whether the Odinga family or the ODM top brass will publicly condemn Gaucho’s remarks. The podcast hosts noted that Gaucho’s high-level access to the family makes his threats carry significant weight on the ground. For now, the “Linda Mwananchi” team faces a literal and metaphorical blockade in Migori, a situation that threatens to further alienate the youth-led “Gen Z” demographic who are seeking “substance” and “revolutionary ideas” rather than the old-school politics of intimidation.
