NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement has taken its political mobilisation campaign to Kwale, stepping up efforts to establish a grassroots presence beyond the capital as opposition leaders grapple with the question of who should lead their challenge against President William Ruto in 2027.
The movement concluded its October 31 tour with a rally in Ukunda, where Sifuna and his allies called for opposition leaders to put aside personal ambitions and agree on a single presidential candidate ahead of the next General Election.
The Coast mobilisation followed the unveiling of the movement’s Nairobi headquarters on October 30, an event that exposed tensions among leaders who have publicly called for a united opposition.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka faced jeers from sections of the audience after cautioning against prematurely declaring Sifuna the opposition’s presidential candidate. The senator intervened to calm the crowd as chants of “President Sifuna” interrupted Kalonzo’s remarks.
Kalonzo maintained that the opposition should follow an agreed process in choosing its flagbearer, rather than allowing individual supporters to settle the question before formal consultations.
Babu Owino Calls for One Opposition Candidate
At the Ukunda rally, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino urged Sifuna, Kalonzo, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Jubilee leader Fred Matiang’i to engage in talks and settle on one candidate to challenge Ruto.
Owino warned that the opposition had limited time to resolve its differences, arguing that a fragmented field could undermine its efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
The call was echoed by other leaders associated with the movement, including its chairman Godfrey Osotsi and Secretary General Caroli Omondi, who backed efforts to bring opposition principals together.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, however, went further by urging Kalonzo and Gachagua to support Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.
47-County Expansion Plan
Beyond the political calls, Linda Mwananchi is seeking to translate its public rallies into a national organisational network.
Sifuna announced plans to establish offices in all 47 counties by the end of November, saying the movement already had representatives in 38 counties.
The group also opened its Kwale County office during the tour, marking a step towards building local structures and engaging prospective candidates and political organisers.
The movement has scheduled a National Delegates Convention for November 13, which is expected to formalise its leadership arrangements and provide a platform for consolidating its organisational framework.
The Kwale programme included engagements in Samburu, Kinango, Kwale town, Kombani and Lunga Lunga before the main gathering in Ukunda.
Local issues also featured in the campaign. Sifuna challenged the handling of land and mineral resources in the region, raising concerns about alleged exploitation and demanding transparency over agreements involving mineral deposits at Mrima Hill.
He also called for local residents and political aspirants to play a central role in shaping the movement’s agenda in the county.
A Crowded Opposition Political Landscape
The Kwale tour took place as ODM held a separate gathering at Nairobi’s Jacaranda Grounds, underlining the parallel political activities unfolding within the broader opposition landscape.
The two events came amid continuing discussions about possible alliances and the search for a common candidate to face Ruto.
For Linda Mwananchi, the immediate task is twofold: expand its county-level presence while managing the political differences among leaders whose cooperation it may need.
