Sifuna gets Linda Mwananchi ticket as Orengo dilemma deepens

Linda Mwananchi leaders, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo during a past meeting in Karen, Nairobi. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has emerged as the Linda Mwananchi movement’s presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, but the endorsement has exposed fresh cracks in the emerging opposition outfit after Siaya Governor James Orengo skipped the high-stakes meeting in Naivasha.

The decision was reached during a retreat that ran late into Saturday night, ending two weeks of speculation over the movement’s unity, its political vehicle and competing ambitions among its principals.

Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and movement spokesperson Caroli Omondi attended the meeting. Other MPs present included Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti), Dan Mwashako (Wundanyi), Wilberforce Oundo (Funyula), Jack Wamboka and Patrick Makau (Mavoko).

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo, former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo and political activist Pauline Njoroge also attended.

But Orengo’s absence was conspicuous. He was expected to travel to Narok with Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i for a rally yesterday.

The Siaya governor had previously insisted that competing presidential ambitions within Linda Mwananchi should be subjected to a credible nomination process acceptable to all the principals.

Despite his absence, the Naivasha meeting resolved to back Sifuna for the presidency.

“We met as the leadership of Linda Mwananchi and resolved to move forward together,” the movement said in a statement announcing the endorsement.

Sifuna later described the retreat as successful.

“Linda Mwananchi retreat imeisha late lakini imeisha mzuri (The Linda Mwananchi retreat has ended late but it has ended well),” he posted on Facebook, adding: “Always a pleasure being in the company of these great leaders! Mbele kuzuri sana!” Osotsi and Odhiambo also moved to reassure supporters that the movement remained united.

“Like I said earlier, tutulie. Edwin Sifuna is very wise. You will hear from him soon,” Osotsi said. “Kikosi bado ni moja, safari pia ni moja, na ujumbe nayo ni moja,” Odhiambo said.

The endorsement followed mounting uncertainty over the political vehicle Sifuna would use to mount his presidential bid.

The issue came into sharp focus after the Jacaranda grounds rally, where Babu Owino appeared to distance himself from future Linda Mwananchi rallies, saying he would instead focus on his Nairobi gubernatorial ambitions.

[Jacob Ochiro and Juliet Omelo]

Babu subsequently disclosed that he had registered the Mwananchi Party, raising questions over whether the movement’s principals were still united around a common political vehicle.

On Saturday, however, he sought to put those concerns to rest.

“We are more united than ever. We agreed that achieving our common political objective requires unity, coordination, and a willingness to work together,” Babu said.

Statements circulated by Njoroge, Mwangaza and the Linda Mwananchi platform said the retreat had resolved that Sifuna would lead the unveiling of the party on whose ticket he intends to contest the presidency.

Supporters speaking at a gathering at City Park PAG Church in Westlands on Sunday also claimed that Sifuna would become party leader, with the party expected to be unveiled in early October.

The anticipated launch has been placed on October 3, although the movement has not publicly released a detailed programme.

The party question, however, remains unsettled as competing political formations take shape within the wider opposition.

The Azimio Coalition, led by Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, has rebranded as the Ukombozi Alliance, while Sifuna has been associated with the United Democratic Party (UDP), which has also been linked to efforts to establish a Ukombozi-related political vehicle.

Linda Mwananchi has said it intends to work with “like-minded parties” that share its stated commitment to Kenyans.

For the movement, the Sifuna endorsement settles one question but opens another: whether all its principals will rally behind the decision.

Orengo has previously been associated with efforts to build the Ukombozi Alliance, giving him another platform from which to engage with opposition parties.

His absence from the meeting means it remains unclear whether he accepts the Sifuna decision, will pursue his presidential ambitions through another platform or remain part of the broader Linda Mwananchi effort.

The principals must now turn their agreement into an organisational structure capable of accommodating competing interests, including party leadership positions, nominations, parliamentary and county contests and the distribution of political influence.

Meanwhile, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal is expected to rule on September 30 on whether the movement can use the name Linda Mwananchi for its proposed political party.