NAIROBI, Kenya- Linda Mwananchi principals have held a meeting aimed at strengthening cooperation as internal tensions over leadership, political parties and the 2027 presidential contest threaten the movement.
Presidential aspirant Edwin Sifuna, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Mwananchi Party Leader and Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Babu Owino were among the politicians present.
Also present were former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, Faith Odhiambo and Pauline Njoroge.
The meeting offered a public display of unity after weeks of reports about disagreements within the movement and increasingly hostile exchanges among supporters of its leading figures.
In a Facebook post after the meeting, Owino declared that Linda Mwananchi was “more united than ever”.
“Today, we held a successful meeting with the Linda Mwananchi principals to consolidate our bases, strengthen our cooperation and reaffirm our shared commitment to working together,” Owino said.
“We agreed that achieving our common political objective requires unity, coordination and a willingness to work together.”
Owino said combining the leaders’ political strengths and networks would enable them to build a stronger movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Meeting follows weeks of internal tensions
The talks followed reports of disagreements involving supporters of Owino, Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Tensions intensified after the movement’s September 13 rally at Jacaranda Grounds, when rival supporters argued over who had mobilised the crowds and who should control the movement’s political direction.
The organisation of rallies, prominence given to different leaders and the movement’s preferred electoral vehicle have also emerged as points of disagreement.
While Owino’s statement projected unity, the meeting did not produce a publicly available joint declaration from the principals.
Political vehicle remains unresolved
One of the movement’s biggest tests is selecting the political party it will use in the 2027 elections.
Owino leads The Mwananchi Party, while Natembeya controls the Ukombozi People’s Party. Both outfits could play a role in negotiations over the movement’s electoral strategy.
The choice will determine control over party structures, candidate nominations and coalition negotiations.
Owino did not indicate whether Saturday’s meeting settled the dispute or whether the principals would enter the election through a coalition of several parties.
Presidential question hangs over movement
The movement has also not formally announced its presidential candidate.
Sifuna has positioned himself for the presidency and received Owino’s public support.
Orengo has also expressed interest in the State House race, creating competing centres of influence within the movement.
The attendance of several principals provided a visible response to reports of a possible split.
However, the durability of that unity will depend on whether they can agree on a presidential candidate, political vehicle and leadership structure.
