NAIROBI, Kenya – Sharp divisions have rocked the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) faction of ‘Linda Mwananchi’, led by embattled party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and MPs Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Caleb Amisi (Saboti) and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The youth-driven political movement and civic education platform emerged following the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga in October 2025. Positioned as a prominent anti-government coalition, the movement heavily criticises the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration over high taxes and the soaring cost of living.
However, with the 2027 General Election on the horizon, it appears that all is not well within the movement. In his latest media appearances, Amisi has gone against the grain, insisting that the ‘Linda Mwananchi’ movement must not blindly submit to the so-called United Opposition at the expense of the youth agenda.
“Politics without principle or ideology only breeds voter apathy and political defections. Claims that uniting under one banner is the only way to remove Ruto from office are misleading. We shall only remove President William Ruto by fronting the best-suited candidate, one the youth truly believe in,” argues Amisi.
The ‘Linda Mwananchi’ faction and the United Opposition are actively working toward a strategic merger to field a single presidential ticket to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 General Election. Recent polling data from TIFA indicates that a fully unified opposition coalition could trounce the incumbent.
Sifuna warms up to Matiang’i and Gachagua
Speaking during the burial ceremony of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka’s late mother, Mama Teresia Nyaboke Omoke, Sifuna disclosed that he was ready and willing to work with Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i despite their past encounter.
“I am ready as the leader of Linda Mwananchi to work with you (Matiang’i). We all need to agree that it is not all about our personal feelings about each other. If it is all of you (United Opposition principals) who will be among us, then we shall form the next government with the support of other like-minded leaders in the opposition,” said Sifuna.
Sifuna’s remarks were complemented by Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Ombane Gisairo, who said: “To all members of the opposition, you should walk and work together so that we can remove this government from power. Kenya Kwanza under Ruto has increased fuel prices, begging the question: what has changed during Uhuru’s presidency and Ruto’s presidency?”
Sifuna, the Nairobi senator, also recalled how Matiang’i, while serving as the Interior Cabinet secretary under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, used to mete violence on the opposition.
Speaking the previous day during the burial of former Kieni MP Kanini Kega’s mother, Sifuna narrated how former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua used his position to mete out violence on the opposition during anti-government protests.
“Gachagua, we are convinced that there is no other formula before God other than a united ticket against Ruto. So, whatever needs to be done, even if it means forgiving each other, let it be. Still, there is no way we are going to allow President Ruto to retain power in 2027 and continue frustrating Kenyans,” added Sifuna.
Why Amisi is against Kalonzo’s candidacy
But Amisi’s stance on these developments appears to sharply contradict that of his colleagues. Amisi believes that the United Opposition has not discovered what the young people want.
“They (United Opposition) have gone back to their tribal cocoons. For instance, I have no problem with the Wiper Patriotic Front leader, Kalonzo Musyoka. This is a person who has worked with us alongside Raila in CORD, NASA and Azimio. I have high regard for him. He is a man who has stood on principles; he has a clear record, and he has never dirtied his hands in the government coffers like the rest, but the young people are no longer excited anymore by anybody who worked in Daniel Moi’s government,” says Amisi.
According to Amisi, Kenyan politics without excitement is null and void.
“It will not defeat William Ruto. I want to say it categorically that, unless William Ruto messes up badly and Kenyans overwhelmingly say that he must go, Kalonzo does not bring the excitement that the young people want in removing Ruto from power,” Amisi further says.
Amisi also argues that anyone who wants to remove President Ruto from power through the 2027 elections must be rating at 60%.
“Ruto should not be number one at 24%, an indication that he is vulnerable,” states Amisi, revealing that there is a dire need to present a presidential candidate for Linda Mwananchi. “People coalesce around presidential candidates because political parties will always be there.”
MP Amisi expresses his ‘greatest’ fear
The youthful politician serving his second term indicated that he has always been worried that ‘Linda Mwananchi’ could join forces with the government of the day.
“Anything can happen in politics. I have seen it before. If Baba could hold Uhuru’s hand after massive demonstrations and serious atrocities were committed against our supporters, life moved on as if nothing had happened. We had our broad-based government after thousands of our youths were killed in the streets, and the world moved on just like that,” he laments.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, who doubles as the ‘Linda Mwananchi’ spokesperson, recently moved to assure Kenyans that the Opposition, whether the Alternative Government or ‘Linda Mwananchi’, will not be divided.
“We will compete for the ticket, and once we choose the presidential candidate and running mate, we shall rally behind them. We shall gather 16 million votes in round one, a knockout that will see Ruto pack and go home,” said Omondi.
But for People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, it is upon the ‘Linda Mwananchi’ faction to join the United Opposition and not the other way around.
“Linda Mwananchi should come to us. Let us meet in the middle. That is what people do. I think that will happen because we are all moving towards the same direction. None of us is greater than the other; all we are doing is looking for a better Kenya,” said Karua.
Amisi also insists that it’s a ‘lie’ to have a united opposition “because unity must be followed by the spirit of the moment politically.”
Why the opposition rallied behind Kibaki in 2002
The lawmaker gave an example of the 2002 presidential elections when the opposition overwhelmingly rallied behind Mwai Kibaki (deceased) to defeat his closest competitor, Uhuru Kenyatta of KANU.
It is believed that the opposition converged on Kibaki in the 2002 Kenyan elections because he was a unifying, experienced figure with a credible record of integrity and economic management.
As a former vice president under Daniel Arap Moi (deceased) and a long-time member of the ruling party, Kibaki had broad appeal across ethnic and political lines. His image as a technocrat and reformist made him a strategic choice to challenge the entrenched KANU regime led by Moi.
The opposition, which comprised, among others, Kibaki, Raila, Michael ‘Kijana’ Wamalwa, Charity Ngilu, and Simeon Nyachae, believed Kibaki’s candidacy offered the best chance to end decades of one-party dominance and deliver democratic change.
“For instance, in 2002, the opposition fronted Kibaki and dropped the rest of the aspirants. So, it’s not just about having a united opposition but about which candidate you are uniting behind. There are some candidates; if presented to Kenyans, it will be an easy ride for Ruto. I want them to think carefully,” cautioned Amisi.
How ‘Linda Mwananchi’ can unseat President Ruto
Joshua Okayo, a prominent Kenyan lawyer, youth advocate, and political activist, indicated that should ‘Linda Mwananchi’ not organise themselves to take over the leadership of ODM, then Kenya risks losing that ‘great power’ that ODM has held for a long period of time.
“There must be a balance. I am happy that a majority of Kenyans are in support of the Linda Mwananchi faction,” said Okayo.
For Wilkister Aduma, a prominent Kenyan political analyst, advocate for democracy, and social entrepreneur, ODM was created on the premise of courage.
“The people who believed in themselves have now left and are now part of the Linda Mwananchi. We are going to have a lot of millennials in government. We need to look at how millennials will be collaborating with Gen Zs to take over the government,” explained Aduma.
Aduma emphasised that there are so many leaders out here who have the interests of Kenyans at heart.
“The Linda Mwananchi stand a better chance at unseating Ruto only if they are organised and can present a single presidential candidate,” she argued.
Linda Mwananchi’s moment of truth
Mohamed Bashir, a prominent Kenyan political scientist, policy analyst, and media commentator who frequently advocates for youth leadership, civic engagement, and democratic processes, believes that ‘Linda Mwananchi’ is being spearheaded by revolutionists.
“These are people who are out to convince Kenyans that they are ideal and capable of forming the next government. Unlike the ‘Linda Ground’ group, which comprises individuals who are political orphans and are now busy aligning with the government for political survival,” says Bashir.
However, Bashir expresses fear that the ‘Linda Mwananchi’ is being faced with the threat of infiltration by the United Opposition. Bashir, whose remarks mirror those of MP Amisi, further argues that the United Opposition is made up of people who are looking for relevance and survival.
“Should ‘Linda Mwananchi’ join forces with the United Opposition, then such a move will jeopardise all the political coalitions because the United Opposition comprises people who, until recently, were not seeing eye to eye,” explains Bashir.
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