Sifuna Named Linda Mwananchi Leader, Presidential Candidate

Sifuna Named Linda Mwananchi Leader, Presidential Candidate

Nairobi Senator Edwin Watenya Sifuna has been formally named the leader and presidential candidate of the Linda Mwananchi Movement ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.

The decision was reached during a leadership retreat held on Saturday, September 26, where the movement’s principals said they had agreed to move forward together despite recent speculation over disagreements within the political formation.

In a statement released after the meeting, Linda Mwananchi said its leaders had reaffirmed their commitment to working together around what they described as a common purpose.

“Today, we met as the leadership of Linda Mwananchi and resolved to move forward together, united by a common purpose of answering the call of Kenyans seeking better governance and rescuing our country from the grave failures of the current administration.”

The movement then announced Sifuna as its leader and presidential flag bearer for the 2027 election.

“We further resolved that H.E. Edwin Watenya Sifuna is our leader and Presidential Candidate.”

The announcement places Sifuna at the centre of Linda Mwananchi’s plans as the movement prepares to establish a political party through which he is expected to contest the presidency.

According to the movement, Sifuna will lead the unveiling of the new party in early October. The party will provide the political vehicle for his presidential campaign, while Linda Mwananchi plans to engage other political parties and formations ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We will seek to build a coalition with like-minded parties that share our commitment to the people of Kenya,” the movement said.

The planned coalition talks could bring Linda Mwananchi into discussions with other opposition formations seeking to establish a joint political platform before the 2027 election.

The latest resolution follows weeks of public discussion about the future of Linda Mwananchi and the political ambitions of its principals. Earlier in September, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi said the movement intended to nominate Sifuna before entering negotiations with other opposition parties over a broader coalition.

The movement’s latest announcement therefore formalises a position that had previously been publicly discussed by some of its leaders.

However, the endorsement comes against a backdrop of differing political ambitions among opposition figures. Siaya Governor James Orengo, who has been associated with Linda Mwananchi, was absent from Saturday’s retreat. Reports have noted that Orengo had previously argued that competing presidential ambitions should be subjected to a credible process before a candidate was selected.

The retreat was attended by several prominent figures associated with the movement, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Boni Khalwale, Godfrey Osotsi, Richard Onyonka, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and Anthony Kibagendi.

Babu Owino’s political vehicle, The Mwananchi Party, is also expected to operate within the broader political landscape surrounding Linda Mwananchi. The party recently completed a separate name-change process through the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.

Linda Mwananchi has maintained that the different political parties and leaders can work together through a coalition arrangement.

The endorsement now sets the stage for Sifuna’s planned party launch and subsequent coalition negotiations. The movement’s leaders will also have to coordinate party structures, nominations and electoral preparations as the 2027 General Election approaches.

For now, the September 26 retreat has established Sifuna as the movement’s designated presidential candidate, while Linda Mwananchi prepares for the next phase of its political organisation and engagement with other opposition groups.

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Sifuna Named Linda Mwananchi Leader, Presidential Candidate