Opposition bets on Kibaki's 2002 playbook as Sifuna unveils campaign team

The Opposition has promised to recreate the 2002 moment in next year's presidential elections, vowing to sacrifice individual ambitions and rally behind one candidate against President William Ruto.

In 2002, the opposition forces united to end Kanu's 39-year rule.

Opposition leaders on Friday said they will borrow from the 2002 playbook, when political heavyweights set aside their individual ambitions to rally behind a single candidate.

They spoke in Lavington, Nairobi, during the unveiling of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) party headquarters.

LMM also unveiled its leadership line-up and a team that will drive Sifuna’s 2027 presidential bid.

The ceremony was attended by leading opposition figures, including Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-K.

Former National Assembly Speaker Francis Kaparo and ex-Westlands MP Fred Gumo were present.

The leaders drew parallels between the emerging opposition alliance and the 2002 coalition that brought together different political formations under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), leading to the defeat of Kanu and the election of Mwai Kibaki as President.

Eugine said the lessons of 2002 remained relevant, insisting that political differences should not stand in the way of a common opposition candidate.

“I feel like we have returned into a 2002 moment, Raila died last year this month and there is saying when a great tree dies another great tree emerges,” he said.

While also referring the moment, Kalonzo said the country will witness a political tsunami in 2027.

“I now see a 2002 moment, change had evaded this country for too long,” Kalonzo said.

The leaders pledged to maintain unity and agree on one presidential flagbearer, although questions surrounding who should carry the opposition ticket remain a thorny issue.

However, the question of his presidential candidacy emerged during Kalonzo's address, briefly exposing the sensitivities surrounding the matter.

The Wiper boss was forced to cut short his speech after suggesting that Sifuna was not yet a presidential candidate, remarks that appeared to draw a reaction from the senator's supporters.

Kalonzo was booed forcing Sifuna to intervene.

The Wiper leader found himself on the receiving end as he attempted to respond to remarks by Eugene, who suggested that Sifuna could be the presidential candidate.

“Because this is your day, my brother Eugene has jumped the gun. He has declared you the presidential candidate,” Kalonzo said.

He then reminded Sifuna that the formal process was yet to be completed.

“Let me tell you legally, because you are a lawyer, you have to wait for the 13th of November, and I hope you'll invite us again. This is when we will know,” Kalonzo said.

Kalonzo added that the November meeting would provide an opportunity for further discussions on the matter.

“That is when I will engage a fellow presidential candidate. Right now you are just a party leader,” he said.

As Kalonzo made the remarks, the crowd began chanting Sifuna's name, interrupting his speech forcing Sifuna to step in.

In his address, Sifuna vowed to back a single opposition candidate.

“We, as Linda Mwananchi, are committed to a united opposition, we will do whatever it takes. I want to make assurance that we Linda Mwananchi, we will do our part to produce one candidate to face Ruto,” Sifuna said.

“If you give me the flag, Ruto will go in the morning. If you decide it is Gachagua or Kalonzo we will back him.”

Gachagua called on the opposition team to be ready to make sacrifices saying it will not be easy unseating Ruto who will be defending his seat in the next year’s polls.

“This journey to send Ruto home is not easy, he has the financial war chest. You have told us to have one candidate. We will not fail you,” Gachagua said.

Sifuna also used the event to make public his party’s leadership with Vihiga Senator Godffrey Osotsi proposed as the national chairman awaiting ratification by delegates on November 13.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was proposed to lead the Linda Mwananchi presidential campaign as the movement moves to establish its party structures.

Sifuna said Natembeya would double as the chair of the board of trustees which controls the party’s assets.

If adopted, the proposal would place Natembeya in charge of the campaign strategy, mobilisation efforts and efforts to build support for the movement across the country.

Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo was proposed as the board’s deputy chairperson.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi as secretary general, deputised by Pauline Njoroge.

Sifuna praised Caroli’s political experience and his role in communicating the movement’s agenda.

“You will do a fantastic job. You are already doing the job of spokesperson of both Linda Mwananchi and the United Opposition, so you are overqualified,” Sifuna told the lawmaker.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale was proposed as secretary for political affairs, while Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka was named as the national treasurer.

Onyonka’s proposed deputy is Abigail Gikonyo, popularly known as Abi Zuena.

Caroline Mayunzu was proposed as president of the women’s alliance, while Fridah Onduso was named president of the youth league.

Other proposed appointments included former ODM chairperson in Narok Robinson Torome as the representative of minority groups in the party’s National Executive Committee.

Eunice Juma was proposed as secretary for diaspora affairs, while party founder Gilbert Shanga was named for international affairs.

Bumula MP Jack Wamboka was proposed as secretary for public policy.

Sifuna said consultations were still ongoing to identify suitable representatives from the Coast region, adding that the movement wanted broader regional representation in its leadership.

The proposed line-up is expected to be presented to the movement’s delegates for consideration as Linda Mwananchi works towards formalising its structures and leadership.

Sifuna pledged to establish offices in all 47 counties by the end of November, saying the movement had already attracted grassroots leaders previously affiliated with ODM.

“The Linda Mwananchi party is starting with county chairpersons from 38 counties. When we said we were leaving, they thought we were leaving alone. They will know today that we are leaving with the foundation,” Sifuna said.

Sifuna outlined his economic agenda that includes cutting Sh500 billion from the national budget within the first 100 days of taking office, arguing that the savings would help ease the cost of living.

He also vowed to remove a number of taxes including fuel taxes, electricity taxes and the housing levy, accusing the government of prioritising wasteful expenditure over essential services.

“How can nurses strike for 45 days asking for only Sh1.8 billion, while you spent Sh12 billion on tea and mandazi?” he posed.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The opposition said they will borrow from the 2002 playbook, when political heavyweights set aside their individual ambitions to rally behind a common candidate.