Linda Mwananchi, a movement spearheaded by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is rapidly evolving into a formidable force attracting
influential figures amid concerns it could be a threat to established parties.
In recent weeks, the movement has brought on board prominent
personalities from across the political divide as it stretches its appeal
across the country.
Some of the new catches include former Law Society
of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo and outspoken former Nandi Hills MP Alfred
Keter.
Odhiambo was on Tuesday given what Sifuna termed as ‘full
parade’ welcome to the months-old movement.
"Full parade to welcome Madam President. Welcome to Linda Mwananchi
Faith Odhiambo," Sifuna wrote on Tuesday.
A respected figure within Kenya's legal circles, Odhiambo has largely kept
away from partisan politics throughout her career.
However, there are speculations that she is eyeing a political seat within Nairobi
county in the 2027 general elections.
Odhiambo’s public profile has been built around legal advocacy,
constitutionalism and the defence of human rights.
She made history in 2024 when she was elected the 51st president of the Law
Society of Kenya, becoming only the second woman to hold the position after
Raychelle Omamo.
Responding to Odhiambo’s joining forces with Linda Mwananchi, Homa Bay Town
MP Opondo Kaluma dismissed the move, claiming the ex-LSK boss has lost political
direction.
“I told you she long lost direction,” Kaluma said.
Odhiambo’s entry followed shortly after former firebrand legislator
Alfred Keter publicly announced he is joining the movement led by Sifuna
and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The former Nandi Hills MP, a rabble-rouser and
outspoken politician was received into the ODM’s breakaway team early this
month by Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga.
Kalasinga described Keter’s arrival as a major boost for the
Edwin Sifuna-led outfit, arguing that his inclusion had strengthened the
movement and expanded its national appeal.
“We are happy as team Sifuna to sign lethal striker called
Alfred Keter. In one of our next three rallies, one will be staged in Nandi,”
Majimbo said.
“Every day, our camp (Linda Mwananchi) is getting bigger and
bigger.”
Linda Mwananchi is set for a major rally in Thika this
Sunday, their first charm offensive to the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
Apart from Odhiambo and Keter, Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo
and Machakos Woman Representative Joyce Kamene joined the team during last
month’s rally in Machakos town.
The team has also been emboldened by the entry of Bumula MP
Jack Wamboka who initially was not part of the team’s itinerary.
Wamboka attended the 31st Linda Mwananchi rally
in Machakos and has since become part of the strategy meetings of the movement.
The Sifuna’s camp also has the backing of former Meru
Governor Kawira Mwanganza, who has severally expressed willingness to host the
team in Meru where she is thought to have serious ground support.
The Star has established that the ODM splinter group is heading
to Meru after this Sunday’s rally in Thika.
“From Thika, we shall be heading to Meru,” Vihiga Senator
and Linda Mwananchi Treasurer Godfrey Osotsi told the Star.
Political observers view the latest additions as a sign that
Linda Mwananchi is steadily transforming from an ODM splinter group into a
broader political outfit with national ambitions.
Political analyst Herman Manyora said Keter’s move is a
major gain for Linda Mwananchi even if it may not eat in Ruto’s grip in the
area.
“For Linda Mwananchi, Alfred Keter would be a big, big catch. If
it has happened, then it is quite something for them,” Manyora said.
“The entry of Alfred Keter and others from outside the traditional ODM
strongholds will give it the national face that it appears to be seeking.”
Although the movement has not formally declared plans to
register as a political party, insiders say preparations are underway to
establish structures across the country.
The movement's bipartisan approach is seen as one of its
biggest strengths.
Unlike traditional parties that draw support from specific
regions or political camps, Linda Mwananchi has positioned itself as a platform
that welcomes leaders from different ideological and political backgrounds.
Analysts predict the outfit is likely to gain significant
traction in Nairobi and other metropolitan centres, where voters have
increasingly shown a preference for issue-based politics over ethnic and party
loyalties.
Urban populations, particularly young professionals and
first-time voters, are viewed as the movement's primary target constituency.
The movement’s expansion is already causing anxiety within
established political formations, with leaders quietly monitoring its growth.
Key areas that could be up for grabs include Nairobi, Rift
Valley’s urban centres, Western Kenya towns and Mt Kenya's major towns, where
traditional party loyalties are weaker and issue-based politics tends to gain
traction.
Should the movement eventually transition into a
fully-fledged political party, it is expected to bite into the support bases of
both government-aligned and opposition parties, especially in urban
constituencies where voter affiliations are often fluid.
Political analyst Martin Andati said Linda Mnwanchi has morphed into a formidable team that will spell trouble to a
number of political formations.
“The team has become more formidable and it will be a force
to reckon with and some established parties will suffer,” Andati told the Star
on the phone.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The entry of figures such as Odhiambo and Keter has further
boosted the movement's profile, signalling that it may become a significant
player in the run-up to the 2027 General Election.I66ts rapid growth suggests
that Kenya's political establishment may soon have to contend with a new and
potentially disruptive force.
