NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has revealed that the Linda Mwananchi movement is seriously considering fielding a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, arguing that growing public support and dissatisfaction with President William Ruto’s administration have created an opportunity for a change of government.
Speaking during a televised interview, Sifuna, who is also a principal in the Linda Mwananchi movement, said the coalition would make a final decision after completing its nationwide consultations.
“As Linda Mwananchi, we are very strongly considering the prospect of running a presidential candidate. That is clear; it is coming from the people themselves,” Sifuna said.
He added that if the movement is calling for President Ruto to leave office, it must also be prepared to offer Kenyans an alternative.
“If you are the one who runs around saying Ruto must go, you must be available to go against him. We are hoping that once we complete the tour of the country, we should be able to give you a straight answer,” he said.
Sifuna, however, dismissed suggestions that he had already decided to contest the presidency.
“If I was going to run for President, do you really think I would announce it at night on a show like this? That is something that you do in broad daylight and say, ‘Now I’m ready,'” he remarked.
He maintained that any decision on his political future would be made collectively within the movement rather than by himself.
“I don’t make unilateral decisions. That decision has to be made together with the people so that it is a decision that is owned by everyone and not just Sifuna. However, I am not one to run away from responsibility. If the people feel that this is the best way for us to proceed, we will not say no,” he said.
Opposition unity
The Nairobi Senator argued that President Ruto is politically vulnerable, citing opinion polls that he claimed show the Head of State’s approval rating has fallen below 30 percent.
“When you have an incumbent who is running below 30 percent in terms of his approval and the support that he has, it tells you that he is in a lot of trouble,” Sifuna said.
He said a united opposition could unseat the Kenya Kwanza administration in the next election.
“If you put together all the support of the opposition, you see that it is possible if the opposition were to present a united front to have a new government in place in 12 months. We in Linda Mwananchi are focused on making sure that we present a formidable candidate against Ruto.”
Public support
Sifuna also expressed gratitude for financial contributions from supporters through the Linda Mwananchi paybill, describing the donations as a sign of public confidence in the movement despite the country’s difficult economic conditions.
“The support that has come our way has been truly humbling. Knowing the economic situation that people are facing, for someone to stand up, give you Sh50, and tell you they want to help finance your campaign is amazing,” he said.
“We have seen tremendous support through the pay bill. I truly appreciate it, and I hope we will not let Kenyans down.”
Fallout with ODM
The senator also spoke about his strained relationship with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), claiming he and his allies have effectively been sidelined by the party leadership.
“It is clear that those in the ODM leadership are done with us. After we finished our rally in Kitale, I just saw us being removed from the ODM WhatsApp group,” he said.
Sifuna further alleged that there were plans to move him from his current parliamentary committee assignment to the Fisheries Committee.
“They even want to move me to the Fisheries Committee, which they think is a punishment but I actually need to learn about that too,” he said.
Criticism of government policies
The senator also criticised several flagship government programmes, arguing that the administration would eventually acknowledge that some of them had failed.
“President Ruto argues with us whenever we point out that things are not working. When it comes to crunch time, just as he has admitted that the university funding model is not working, he will also come to admit that SHA and this Housing thing are not working,” Sifuna said.
He added that his engagements across the country had convinced him there was widespread demand for a different style of leadership.
“There is a general yearning in the country for things to be done differently. They believe the Linda Mwananchi team can deliver the change they are hoping to see in the country.”
Sifuna also acknowledged that his outspoken views have occasionally landed him in political trouble but insisted he would continue speaking out.
“I will continue to be myself. I will continue to speak truth to power,” he said.
