Sifuna sets November 13 convention as Linda Mwananchi targets 47 counties

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 30 – The Linda Mwananchi Movement will hold its National Delegates Convention (NDC) on November 13 to formalise its leadership structure, as Party Leader Edwin Sifuna targets a nationwide rollout of the outfit’s offices ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sifuna, who unveiled the movement’s proposed leadership team during the launch of its headquarters, said the outfit would immediately embark on a nationwide mobilisation exercise to establish grassroots structures and consolidate its support.

He said the movement would begin opening county offices in Kwale, with the aim of establishing a presence in all 47 counties by the end of November.

“By the end of this coming November, we want to have 47 offices in all counties and have our structures,” Sifuna said.

The Nairobi Senator dismissed suggestions that establishing a nationwide political outfit within such a short period would be difficult, arguing that Linda Mwananchi was building on an existing political network.

He claimed the movement had already attracted County Chairpersons from 38 counties, many of whom had previously been affiliated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

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

Osotsi, Mwangaza and Makau among proposed leaders

Sifuna outlined a proposed leadership structure featuring several political figures, including Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as chairperson, with Boxer named as his deputy and another position reserved for a Coast region representative.

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, Wiper’s Patrick Makau and former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo have been proposed as deputy party leaders, with a fourth position also reserved for the Coast region.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has been proposed as secretary-general, deputised by Pauline Njoroge, while Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka is lined up as national treasurer, with Abigail Gikonyo as his deputy.

Curry Karani has been proposed as organising secretary, deputised by Busia MP Dr Oundo.

Other proposed appointments include Boni Khalwale as secretary for political affairs, Wanami Wamboka as secretary for public policy, Wakili Kadide as secretary for legal affairs and Caroline Mayunzu as president of the women’s alliance.

Fred Onduso has been proposed as president of the youth league, while former Narok ODM chairman Torome, popularly known as Kazzaro, will represent minority communities.

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

Sifuna said the proposed leadership team was not exhaustive, adding that further positions would be filled following consultations and deliberations at the November convention.

The Equitable Party

The movement’s expansion plans come amid political tensions within ODM over its relationship with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the direction the party should take ahead of the next General Election.

Sifuna accused the government of frustrating the movement’s efforts to establish a political home, saying the team had encountered obstacles while exploring existing political parties.

He cited the United Democratic Party (UDP), the United Progressive Movement (UPM) and other political outfits as options considered before the movement settled on The Equitable Party.

He thanked the party’s leadership, led by Gilbert Shanga, for providing a platform through which the movement could organise itself.

Sifuna also acknowledged Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Mwangaza and Omondi for supporting the movement during its search for a political home.

Spending cuts, tax relief

Sifuna said Linda Mwananchi would be anchored on the Constitution, promising to prioritise citizens’ interests, human rights, equality and accountability in government.

He outlined an ambitious economic programme that includes cutting KSh500 billion from government expenditure within the first 100 days of taking office.

The proposed savings, he said, would be used to ease the cost of living through the removal of fuel taxes, electricity taxes and the Housing Levy.

“We want to cut Sh500 billion from the government budget because it is budgeted corruption. And once we finish that, we return that money to Kenyans,” he said.

He also criticised government spending at State House, contrasting what he described as lavish expenditure with the financial demands made by striking health workers.

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

Sifuna further accused the Ruto administration of undermining constitutional protections, 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 the movement would push for greater transparency in public spending, including disclosure of contracts for government projects.

The November convention is expected to formalise the proposed leadership as Linda Mwananchi seeks to build a nationwide political structure ahead of the 2027 elections.