The Linda Mwananchi movement has formally endorsed Nairobi Senator Edwin Watenya Sifuna as its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, seeking to end speculation over divisions within the opposition outfit.
In a statement issued after a leadership retreat on Saturday, the movement said its leaders had resolved to move forward together, united around what they described as a common purpose of responding to calls for better governance.
“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 statement said.
The leaders resolved that Sifuna would lead the movement as its presidential candidate and announce the political party through which he will contest the presidency in early October.
“In early October, Sifuna will lead the unveiling of the party on whose ticket he will run,” the statement said.
The movement also said it would seek to build a coalition with like-minded political parties that share its stated commitment to the people of Kenya.
The declaration comes amid recent questions over the unity of the movement, particularly following public discussions about the political ambitions of some of its principals.
Sifuna, in a brief message after the retreat, said the meeting had ended successfully, describing his colleagues as “great leaders” and signalling optimism about the movement's next phase.
“Linda Mwananchi retreat imeisha late lakini imeisha mzuri. Always a pleasure being in the company of these great leaders! Mbele kuzuri sana!” Sifuna said.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also sought to reinforce the message of unity, saying the leaders had agreed to strengthen their cooperation and consolidate their political bases.
“We are more united than ever,” Babu said.
He said the meeting was aimed at consolidating the movement's bases, strengthening cooperation and reaffirming the leaders' commitment to working together.
“We agreed that achieving our common political objective requires unity, coordination, and a willingness to work together,” Babu said.
The retreat comes days after Babu publicly reaffirmed his support for Sifuna's presidential bid, amid reports of differences within Linda Mwananchi.
Sifuna has previously indicated that he is seeking a new political vehicle to advance his 2027 presidential ambitions, after his fallout with the Orange Democratic Movement.
The latest declaration now places Sifuna at the centre of Linda Mwananchi's presidential strategy as the movement prepares to formalise its political vehicle and pursue alliances ahead of the 2027 election.
