Why Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi politicians may vie on different party tickets

While the group operates within a broader opposition framework, it has made it clear that it does not support President William Ruto.

At the same time, it is not formally breaking ranks to form a rigid alternative bloc. Instead, Sifuna’s camp appears to be navigating a calculated middle ground, maintaining its distinct identity while building strategic relationships across the political divide.

In recent months, the team has appeared to oscillate toward leaders in the emerging United Opposition, signalling what observers describe as a strategic recalibration.

Some of the politicians in Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi team are strong allies of opposition heavyweights, among them Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Others have close ties to Jubilee figures allied to former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.

Political analyst Joseph Mutua said the strategy reflects careful political engineering.

“By not consolidating under a single party, Sifuna’s allies preserve room for negotiation, alliances and realignment, depending on the evolving political landscape,” he said.

“It is a strategy that underscores adaptability in a dynamic electoral environment, while maintaining a clear distinction from blanket support of the current administration.”

Unlike conventional political formations preparing for elections under a unified banner, Linda Mwananchi appears to embody a coalition-style approach, bringing together like-minded leaders and grassroots mobilisers who share governance ideals but retain flexibility in their party affiliations.

Members are expected to pursue their ambitions through different political parties, a move insiders describe as deliberate rather than accidental.

There have been reports that Sifuna won’t run on an ODM ticket. He could form his own party or align with leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka or even Rigathi Gachagua.

The internal dynamics in ODM are also adding fuel to the realignment narrative. Sifuna, who serves as the party’s secretary general, unveiled the Linda Mwananchi tour, a grassroots mobilisation drive aimed at countering the Linda Ground faction spearheaded by Oburu Oginga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.

The lineup for the Busia launch underscores the weight behind the initiative. It includes Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Nyamira Senator Erick Okong’o Mogeni.

National Assembly members expected to attend are Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Caleb Amisi (Saboti), Wanami Wamboka (Bumula), Patrick Makau (Mavoko), Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti) and Kabuchai’s Majimbo Kalasinga.

Other figures slated to participate include Wilberforce Oundo, Raphael Wanjala, Caroli Omondi, Obadiah Barongo, Clive Gisairo and Anthony Kibagendi.

In Kisii Nyanza, many leaders backing Sifuna are reportedly leaning toward Jubilee, bolstering Matiang’i’s growing influence in the region.

Kibagendi, elected on an ODM ticket in 2022, has publicly declared that Matiang’i is the only leader capable of fixing what he termed “the problems created by the Kenya Kwanza government” if elected president.

Meanwhile, Makau and Kimilu, allies of Kalonzo Musyoka, are widely expected to contest on the Wiper Democratic Movement ticket. Caleb Amisi, though elected on ODM, has the option of joining DAP-K, a party gaining traction in Trans Nzoia county.

In Nairobi, Sifuna and Babu Owino are said to be weighing their options carefully. Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has publicly extended an invitation to the two leaders should they find themselves politically isolated.

“Babu, if you are chased from ODM, come to DCP. If you feel uncomfortable, go to Wiper, our partner,” Gachagua said on December 3 last year. He added that he would have no problem backing Sifuna to defend his senatorial seat in 2027.

On the other side of the political aisle, Eala MP David ole Sankok dismissed fears that UDA feels threatened by United Opposition’s manoeuvres. However, he acknowledged concern over the emergence of what he described as a potential “Third Force”.

“Their combination is not only lethal but a potential game changer. They make us very uncomfortable,” Sankok said, referring to a possible alliance comprising Babu Owino, Sifuna, Winnie Odinga and even Ndindi Nyoro.

“I will plead with them to hold their horses and wait for 2032.”

Political commentator Daniel Orogo observed that the political outfit associated with Sifuna is shaping up to be a decentralised but coordinated force as 2027 approaches.

“Rather than consolidating under a single political party, members of the team are preparing to contest various elective seats across different party tickets,” he said.

“This strategy reflects a calculated effort to broaden their political footprint while maintaining a shared reform-driven agenda.”

By spreading across multiple parties, Orogo said, Sifuna’s allies are positioning themselves to tap into diverse voter bases and regional dynamics.