NAIROBI, Kenya — United Opposition spokesperson Mukhisa Kituyi has said the growing influence of the Linda Mwananchi faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is reshaping opposition politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview with NTV Kenya, Kituyi emphasised that the faction led by Edwin Sifuna has emerged as a significant force that cannot be ignored in efforts to build a united opposition front.
“It is impossible to discuss a united opposition without factoring in Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi; one cannot wish them away,” Kituyi said.
He noted that fragmentation within the opposition at this stage is not unusual, pointing to Kenya’s political history where alliances often crystallise close to election periods.
“The most successful opposition unity which came to power in 2002 was really formed some two or three months to the election,” he said, referencing the coalition that defeated the long-ruling party during that cycle.
Kituyi added that there is no fixed timeline for the formation of a unified opposition, citing multiple political dynamics that continue to shape alliance-building efforts.
“There is no clear timeline for the United Opposition to be completely united. There are so many other dynamics out there,” he said.
The former Cabinet minister acknowledged that when talks on opposition unity began, the Linda Mwananchi faction had not yet gained prominence. However, its rapid rise has since altered political calculations.
“When we started forming the United Opposition, we did not envisage Edwin Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi as a force. You cannot wish them away today,” he said.
He also pointed to internal divisions within ODM, particularly between factions advocating for a one-term presidency and those open to supporting a second term for President William Samoei Ruto, as a factor that could influence the structure of future alliances.
“You cannot talk about United Opposition without thinking, is the battle inside ODM between those saying one term and those saying two term going the way of those who think like us or those who think like President William Ruto?” he posed.
Rather than focusing on accommodation, Kituyi stressed the need for strategic engagement with the emerging faction.
“At the end of it, we look at how do we engage. It is not about accommodating them, but how do we engage with them?” he said.
He credited the Linda Mwananchi movement with energising a new voter base, particularly young people.
“They have a legitimate mandate. They are reinvigorating younger voters, they are bringing out Gen Zs who are registering as voters,” Kituyi noted.
As the 2027 election approaches, the ability of opposition groups to navigate internal divisions and build cohesive alliances is likely to be a defining factor in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.
