Linda Mwananchi leaders have reaffirmed their support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential bid, dismissing claims members of the movement are distancing themselves from his candidacy.
The leaders, who were on a mobilisation tour of Meru county on Sunday, accused unnamed individuals of attempting to infiltrate the movement and create confusion over their support for Sifuna.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owing said he remained “100 per cent” behind Sifuna, whom he described as a leader he had worked with through ODM.
“As Babu Owing, I am 100 per cent supporting our leader called Sifuna. We have come a long way. We have gone through a lot with him in ODM,” he said.
Babu warned leaders allegedly attempting to infiltrate the movement against creating divisions among its supporters.
“Those who are sent to bring confusion in Linda Mwananchi, you are warned. If you are supporting us, then the support must be 100 per cent,” he said.
“You have come and found Linda Mwananchi moving on. If you support us, do it fully. We don’t want you with one leg in Linda Mwananchi and the other in William Ruto’s camp.”
Speaking during the tour, MPs Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Wanami Wamboka (Bumula) and Patrick Simiyu (Cherangany) also insisted that Sifuna remained the movement’s presidential candidate.
“From today, we don’t want any confusion. Our presidential candidate remains Edwin Sifuna,” Majimbo said.
Social media strategist Pauline Njoroge urged supporters to remain focused on strengthening the movement ahead of the elections.
“In Linda Mwananchi, we have a presidential candidate and he is here,” Njoroge said during a stopover at Kiirua, Meru county.
Sifuna promises realistic campaign
Sifuna said he would not mislead Kenyans with unrealistic promises in his quest for the presidency.
The Nairobi senator said his upbringing had taught him to value honesty and he would tell voters what could realistically be achieved.
“As Sifuna, I will not lie to Kenyans to get elected President,” he said.
“I was brought up well, so I will not lie to Kenyans to get elected. I will always tell Kenyans the truth.”
Sifuna said political leaders should be honest about the country’s challenges and the time required to address them rather than making promises they cannot fulfil.
“You can be loved by saying the truth. I will tell Kenyans what is achievable within what time and what is not,” he said.
His remarks come as President Ruto challenges the opposition to present a clear national agenda and alternative development blueprint.
Ruto has repeatedly accused opposition leaders of being “clueless, planless and rudderless”, arguing they spend more time criticising his administration than presenting alternative solutions.
Sifuna said the opposition would develop its own manifesto anchored in the constitution.
“Ruto has been saying we do not have plans,” he said.
“We will make a manifesto that respects the constitution. We want to live in a democratic society.”
The senator criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that Ruto had failed to deliver on key promises contained in the 2022 election manifesto.
He cited what he described as a shrinking democratic space and inadequate progress in improving the livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans.
“The Kenya Kwanza manifesto is one that has put Kenyans in a hole,” he said.
Sifuna singled out boda boda riders and small-scale traders, arguing they had not benefited as promised.
“You promised to uplift boda boda riders, but that has not happened. Small traders have not grown as you promised,” he said.
He also questioned the government’s proposed Vision 2060, arguing the administration should first account for promises made during the 2022 campaign.
“We gave this administration five years, but there have been little achievements,” Sifuna said.
The Meru rally brought together several opposition leaders as Linda Mwananchi continues its mobilisation.
Among those accompanying Sifuna were Babu Owing, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Also present were former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Ombane, Cherangany MP Patrick Simiyu and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.
Owing called for opposition unity around a common political programme and rallied leaders behind Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.
“We want to take Sifuna to State House,” he said.
He also called for a broader opposition alliance bringing together leaders from different regions, including former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“In the opposition, I want us to unite very well. We must walk with former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and Rigathi Gachagua in Mt Kenya and all other leaders from other regions,” Owing said.
“We must unite as opposition.”
