Sifuna raids ODM, Wiper, Jubilee as he unveils Linda Mwanachi leadership lineup

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 30 – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has unveiled a proposed Linda Mwananchi Movement leadership team drawing figures from ODM and other political parties, including Wiper and Jubilee parties, as he moves to establish the outfit’s political structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The announcement came during the unveiling of the movement’s headquarters, where Sifuna, who is positioning himself as its presidential candidate, set November 13 for a National Delegates Convention (NDC) to formalise the proposed leadership.

He also pledged to establish offices in all 47 counties by the end of November, saying the movement had already attracted grassroots leaders previously affiliated with ODM.

“The Linda Mwananchi party is starting with county chairpersons from 38 counties. When we said we were leaving, they thought we were leaving alone. They will know today that we are leaving with the foundation,” Sifuna said.

The proposed appointments include Wiper’s Patrick Makau as Deputy Party Leader, Senator Boni Khalwale (UDA) proposed as Secretary for Political Affairs, and Wanami Wamboka (DAP) lined up as Secretary for Public Policy.

The development comes against the backdrop of heightened political tensions, including an earlier raid on Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper party offices, as Sifuna’s movement seeks to build support across existing political formations.

Osotsi, Mwangaza among leaders

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has been proposed as party chairperson, while former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza are among those lined up for senior roles.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has been proposed as Secretary General, deputised by Pauline Njoroge. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka is proposed as National Treasurer, with Abigail Gikonyo as his deputy.

Other proposed appointments include Curry Karani as Organising Secretary, Wakili Kadide as Secretary for Legal Affairs, Caroline Mayunzu as President of the Women’s Alliance and Fred Onduso as President of the Youth League.

Former Narok ODM Chairman Torome, popularly known as Kazzaro, has been proposed as minority representative, while Yunus Juma will handle diaspora affairs and Gilbert Shanga international affairs.

Former Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been proposed as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and leader of the presidential campaign, with Odhiambo designated as his deputy in the campaign team.

Sifuna said the appointments were not final, noting that further positions would be filled after consultations and consideration by delegates at the November convention.

“By the end of this coming November, we want to have 47 offices in all counties and have our structures,” he said, adding that the rollout would begin with the opening of county offices in Kwale.

Sifuna hits at govt

The senator claimed the movement had encountered obstacles in its search for a political party, accusing President William Ruto’s administration of frustrating its efforts to secure a political home.

He said the team had explored several political outfits, including the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the United Progressive Movement (UPM), before settling on The Equitable Party, whose leadership he thanked for providing a platform.

Sifuna also acknowledged Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Mwangaza and Omondi for supporting the movement’s formation.

He accused sections of the broad-based government of using violence and intimidation to disrupt its political meetings, citing incidents in Busia, Kitengela and Homa Bay.

The movement, he said, would place citizens at the centre of its agenda and restore what he described as the six core values and principles of governance under Article 10 of the Constitution.

“Our entire agenda is the Constitution. Everything that we do, we will put the citizens first,” he said.

Campaign agenda

Sifuna outlined an economic agenda that includes cutting Sh500 billion from the national budget within the first 100 days of taking office, arguing that the savings would help ease the cost of living.

He pledged to push for the removal of fuel taxes, electricity taxes and the housing levy, accusing the government of prioritising wasteful expenditure over essential services.

“How can nurses strike for 45 days asking for only Sh1.8 billion, while you spent Sh12 billion on tea and mandazi?” he asked.

The senator further accused the Ruto administration of undermining constitutional safeguards, particularly the Bill of Rights, citing the death of Rex Kanyike Masai during anti-government protests as an example of the failure to protect the right to life.

He said a Linda Mwananchi government would prioritise human rights, equality, transparency and the rule of law, including public disclosure of contracts for government projects.

The launch marks a significant step in Sifuna’s efforts to build a political vehicle outside ODM, as divisions and competing interests continue to shape the party’s relationship with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.