PRM emergence exposes deep ODM cracks ahead of 2027 elections

The People Renaissance Movement led by interim chair Njenga Waragu during a press briefing in Nairobi on April 23rd 2027. [Collins Oduor, Standard] 

As the country moves toward the 2027 election season, new political parties continue to emerge with the People’s Renaissance Movement (PRM) being the latest addition.

The new formation, which now becomes the 93rd fully registered political party in the country, is allegedly linked to the ODM faction of Linda Mwananchi.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi is suspected of bankrolling the party’s registration process and the establishment of its offices.

Amisi, embattled ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are among the party’s top leaders who have refused to work with President William Ruto’s government.

At the same time, The Sunday Standard observed Linda Mwananchi–branded vehicles outside the new party offices in Westlands during the issuance of the party certificate, with hundreds of young people turning up in solidarity.

However, the MP has since distanced himself from the claims, while party officials maintain that PRM is not funded by any political figures.

“We want to tell Kenyans we are not playing the politics of ‘wantam’ and ‘tutam,’” said interim Secretary General Sarabai Emmanuel. “We are suffering. We have economic problems. The solution is the People’s Renaissance Movement.”

Political analyst Javas Bigambo observed that the party is yet to pick its leaders, suggesting it may be reserved for a popular politician.

Another analyst, Herman Manyora, warned that PRM could edge out ODM’s influence in its perceived strongholds.

“Even in Luo Nyanza, there are many disgruntled people within the Oburu Oginga faction and they could move to this new outfit so that what remains with Oburu and Gladys Wanga is something very small, very feeble, too weak to be called a political party,” he said.

Similarly, Bigambo noted that ODM should be cautious. “If members of your party register a different political party, it is naturally a threat,” he said.

PRM began its operations on a hard stance against the government, warning that it would join the opposition in planned June protests if the high cost of living is not addressed.

Its emergence comes amid growing political undercurrents within ODM, where internal disagreements in recent months have exposed divisions that now appear to be forming two factions.

One faction is aligned with party leader Oburu and supports the broad-based government, while the Sifuna-led team opposes the arrangement.