Osotsi Says Linda Mwananchi Will Unveil New Party Within Two Weeks

Vihiga Senator and Linda Mwananchi treasurer Godfrey Osotsi has announced that the political movement will unveil its new party within two weeks, while reaffirming Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.

Osotsi made the announcement on Saturday, September 19, while addressing residents in Hamisi Sub-County, Vihiga County.

His remarks came amid growing speculation over disagreements within Linda Mwananchi, particularly following Sifuna’s removal as ODM secretary general and a dispute over the political party the movement will use in the 2027 elections.

Osotsi dismisses claims of divisions

Osotsi sought to play down reports of disagreements among Linda Mwananchi’s key leaders, saying Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo remained united.

The senator acknowledged that disagreements were normal within organisations but said the outstanding issues would be resolved by the following week.

“As Linda Mwananchi, we are focused and united. If you have heard of certain problems, every house must have some misunderstandings. We will solve all these by next week,” Osotsi said.

He also alleged that President William Ruto and government bloggers were behind reports portraying the movement’s leadership as divided.

Party registration dispute

Osotsi said efforts to formalise Linda Mwananchi’s political party had faced repeated obstacles, alleging that the government had created bureaucratic hurdles whenever the movement attempted to register its preferred political vehicle.

“We are organised. They tried to take our name, we went to court, and on September 30, the court will decide. But Ruto has placed obstacles; whenever we try to register the party, he goes and creates hurdles,” Osotsi asserted.

Despite the dispute, Osotsi maintained that the movement already had a functioning party structure and would make a formal announcement within two weeks.

“But we are clever. We have a party. And in less than two weeks we will be announcing that party. Edwin Watenya Sifuna will stand as president of Kenya under it,” he said.

Osotsi targets Western Kenya support

Osotsi also used the occasion to appeal for greater support for Linda Mwananchi in Western Kenya.

He distanced the movement from ODM, accusing the party of benefiting from the region’s political support without delivering what he described as meaningful results.

He also criticised empowerment programmes associated with the ruling UDA administration, describing them as insufficient to address the economic challenges facing communities.

Osotsi called on residents in the region to support Sifuna’s presidential bid, presenting him as the candidate Linda Mwananchi intends to back in the 2027 presidential contest.

Babu Owino unveils The Mwananchi Party

Osotsi’s remarks came shortly after Babu Owino announced The Mwananchi Party (TMP) as his political vehicle for the 2027 elections, including his planned bid for the Nairobi governor’s seat.

Babu has said the party will field candidates across the country while maintaining support for Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.

He has also indicated that he may not attend every Linda Mwananchi rally as he focuses on his own political plans.

The announcement has added another layer to the debate over the movement’s political vehicle, particularly as different leaders appear to favour separate party structures.

Linda Mwananchi faces test over political vehicle

The competing positions have fuelled questions about how Linda Mwananchi will structure its political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.

While Osotsi insists that the movement remains united and is preparing to unveil its party, Babu has already identified The Mwananchi Party as his political vehicle.

The party question is therefore emerging as a key issue for the movement as its leaders seek to coordinate their individual political ambitions with their broader plans under Linda Mwananchi.