NAIROBI, Kenya—Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has called upon leaders of the Linda Mwananchi, an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) breakaway faction, to join the newly launched People’s Renaissance Movement (PM Party).
Wamalwa, a former defence cabinet secretary, urged politicians affiliated with the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna-led movement to consider breaking away from ODM if they continue to face hurdles in registering their own political party.
Speaking during the official launch of the PM Party at ASK Dome Jamhuri in Nairobi, Wamalwa cited former ODM lawmaker Caleb Amisi’s exit from the party and subsequent launch of his People’s Renaissance Movement as an example of leaders choosing to chart an independent political course.
“Caleb Amisi was the founder of Linda Mwananchi. I admire his courage—he reminds me of Caleb from the Bible,” said Wamalwa.
Linda Mwananchi faces an uphill task
Wamalwa exuded confidence that the PM Party is willing to accommodate the Linda Mwananchi leaders if they are being frustrated by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) in registering their party.
ORPP has rejected an application to reserve the name “Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya” due to legal conflicts and similarities with existing slogans. This decision triggered a major standoff as the Linda Mwananchi movement—spearheaded by prominent politicians—attempts to formalise itself into a political party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We also tell our brothers in Linda Mwananchi that if you find yourselves being blocked from registration, follow Caleb Amisi’s example and courage. Come out of ODM. The young people who were mentored by Baba Raila Odinga, like Caleb Amisi, Sifuna, Babu Owino, and others, should not waste time if they are being blocked from pursuing their political ambitions,” explained Wamalwa.
The launch of the PM Party coincided with its first National Delegates Convention (NDC).
Speaking at the same time, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua called for unity and collective leadership within the People’s Renaissance Movement, urging young people to step forward and turn their demands into policies and lasting institutions.
The political direction that Kenyans must chart
Karua, who was among the prominent guests who graced the occasion, observed that a thriving democracy is one where political movements can emerge and different ideas can compete for the trust of the people.
“Kenya’s future will be stronger when our politics creates space for participation, accountability, and genuine choice,” said Karua, a former legal and justice minister.
United Green Movement Party leader David Maraga, who was joined by his party co-leader Agostinho Neto at the event, indicated that it was one of many conversations happening across the country about the leadership Kenya needs and the direction we must chart together.
“Moments like this matter. When leaders and citizens sit together to reflect honestly on governance, we move closer to the new political direction our people deserve,” explained Maraga.
People’s Renaissance Movement’s area of focus
In his speech, Amisi said the new party would focus on advancing economic liberation, economic renaissance, and justice for Kenyans.
“Kenya is currently in a total quagmire. The crisis we face today, my people, demands more than cosmetic change. It requires a true economic renaissance similar to the European and African renaissances,” said the lawmaker.
Reflecting on June 24, 2024, a day when Kenya was on high alert as youth-led opposition to the Reject Finance Bill 2024 climaxed, Amisi applauded the youth for coming out in large numbers to fight for what he termed a people renaissance.
“This was a renaissance to lower the cost of living, have a productive regime, have a country with competitive energy infrastructure, build an accountable universal healthcare, build democratic institutions to fight corruption, place Kenya in a strategic position to attract direct foreign investment, and build a modern education system that produces graduates who fit in the emerging global job market,” explained the youthful MP.
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