‘It Has Not Been Easy’: Edwin Sifuna Recounts Struggles Behind the Formation of Linda Mwananchi Movement
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has opened up about the challenges and difficulties encountered while establishing the Linda Mwananchi Movement, revealing that the political outfit faced alleged intimidation, disruptions and resistance as it sought to organise meetings across different parts of the country.
Speaking on Friday, October 30, 2026, during the launch of the movement’s headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi, Sifuna said the journey had not been easy despite Kenya being a multiparty democracy where citizens are constitutionally entitled to associate, organise and support political groups of their choice.
The senator questioned why the movement had encountered obstacles while attempting to hold political meetings, arguing that the Constitution protects the right of Kenyans to assemble and participate in political activities.
According to Sifuna, the challenges began when the movement started organising public gatherings, with some meetings allegedly facing disruptions from groups he described as hired goons.
His remarks offered a glimpse into the difficulties experienced by the political formation as it attempts to establish itself as a significant force ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The headquarters launch marked another milestone in the movement’s development, providing a physical base from which its leaders can coordinate activities, engage supporters and strengthen their organisational structures.
However, Sifuna’s account also shifted attention to the broader questions surrounding political freedom, tolerance and the safety of citizens participating in political activities.
Sifuna recounts alleged disruption of early political meetings
Reflecting on the movement’s beginnings, Sifuna said its first major political engagement in Busia was met with resistance from groups allegedly mobilised to prevent the gathering from taking place.
He described the experience as unnecessary in a country whose Constitution guarantees freedom of association and multiparty democracy.
“This journey has been difficult, and it was not necessary for it to be a difficult journey because we live in a democratic country,” Sifuna said.
The senator maintained that Kenyans have a constitutional right to form political parties, associate with like-minded individuals and promote political ideas they believe can improve the country.
He questioned why a political group seeking to mobilise supporters should encounter hostility when organising peaceful meetings.
Sifuna further claimed that groups of goons confronted members of the movement during the Busia meeting, allegedly with the intention of stopping the event.
Despite the confrontation, he said supporters stood with the movement and helped ensure that its activities continued.
The incident, according to the senator, demonstrated the difficulties political groups can encounter when attempting to expand their influence beyond their traditional support bases.
His account also placed the movement’s experiences within a wider discussion about the protection of political rights, particularly as Kenya approaches another election cycle.
Political competition is expected to intensify in the coming months as parties and emerging political formations begin building alliances, recruiting candidates and mobilising supporters.
For Sifuna, the ability of political groups to organise freely without intimidation should be considered an essential part of a functioning democracy.
People Daily
Sifuna raises concern over loss of lives during political engagements
Beyond the alleged disruptions, Sifuna also expressed concern over incidents in which he claimed people associated with the movement had lost their lives during political activities.
He cited incidents in Kitengela and Homa Bay, describing the deaths as unnecessary and raising questions about the safety of people attending political gatherings.
The senator recalled an incident in Kitengela in which he said a young man was shot after a political meeting had ended.
He described the loss of life as deeply troubling, arguing that political participation should never expose ordinary citizens to unnecessary danger.
His remarks brought renewed attention to the responsibility of security agencies to protect people attending public gatherings, regardless of their political affiliations.
The Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed. It also places an obligation on the State to respect and protect fundamental rights.
These protections are particularly important during election periods, when political competition can sometimes create tensions between rival groups.
However, allegations of intimidation, attacks and politically connected violence require thorough investigation. Establishing responsibility depends on evidence, independent investigations and appropriate legal processes.
Sifuna’s account therefore raises questions that go beyond the experiences of Linda Mwananchi. It touches on the wider responsibility of political leaders, security agencies and government institutions to ensure that citizens can participate in democratic processes without fear.
For a country preparing for the 2027 General Election, the protection of political freedoms and public safety will remain critical to maintaining confidence in the electoral process.
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Sifuna praises Gachagua and Kalonzo for allowing the movement to organise meetings
In recounting the movement’s experiences, Sifuna also singled out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for what he described as their tolerance and willingness to allow Linda Mwananchi to organise meetings in areas where they enjoy political influence.
He praised Gachagua for allowing the movement to hold a political meeting in Thika, arguing that the former Deputy President demonstrated democratic leadership by permitting the gathering to proceed.
Sifuna observed that Gachagua enjoys considerable political influence in the Mount Kenya region but did not use that influence to prevent the movement from holding its meeting.
He described the decision as an example of political tolerance, maintaining that leaders should allow competing political groups to engage citizens freely.
The senator also thanked Kalonzo for allowing the movement to conduct meetings in Kitui, Machakos and other areas associated with the Wiper leader.
According to Sifuna, the movement did not face attempts to force it out of those areas, unlike the experiences he alleged in other parts of the country.
His comments highlighted the importance of political tolerance in a multiparty democracy, where different leaders and organisations should be able to compete for public support without treating opposing political formations as enemies.
The remarks also reflected the political relationships developing around Linda Mwananchi as its leaders seek to expand their influence across different regions.
Gachagua and Kalonzo are both influential figures in opposition politics, and their engagement with the movement could shape discussions about possible political cooperation ahead of 2027.
However, allowing a political group to hold a meeting in a particular region does not necessarily amount to endorsing its agenda or committing to an electoral alliance.
Sifuna’s remarks were therefore primarily an acknowledgement of what he viewed as their willingness to respect the movement’s right to organise.
People Daily
Young Kenyans credited with keeping the movement alive
Sifuna also used the occasion to recognise the role played by ordinary supporters, particularly young people, in helping Linda Mwananchi establish itself.
He thanked those who continued attending meetings despite the challenges and credited them with helping the movement reach different venues.
The senator said the support of ordinary Kenyans had been instrumental in sustaining the group’s activities, particularly during moments when its meetings allegedly faced resistance.
He also acknowledged musicians and other supporters who had contributed to the movement’s mobilisation efforts.
The emphasis on young people is significant because the youth vote is expected to play an important role in determining the outcome of the 2027 General Election.
Kenya has a large youthful population facing concerns around unemployment, the cost of living, access to education, economic opportunities and the quality of public services.
These issues have increasingly shaped political discussions, with younger voters demanding greater accountability and meaningful participation in national decision-making.
For emerging political formations such as Linda Mwananchi, attracting young supporters is only one part of the challenge. The bigger task is translating their enthusiasm into a sustainable political organisation with policies and leadership structures that respond to their concerns.
The movement will need to demonstrate that its appeal extends beyond rallies and political personalities by presenting practical proposals on employment, economic growth, governance and public accountability.
Sifuna’s appreciation of the supporters suggests that the movement recognises the importance of grassroots mobilisation in building a national political identity.
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From a small political initiative to a growing national movement
Linda Mwananchi has gradually evolved from an informal political initiative into a movement attracting attention from prominent politicians across the country.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi previously explained how the initiative developed, describing it as an attempt to address what he considered a leadership gap in Kenyan politics.
Amisi said the idea emerged from conversations among politicians and citizens who were dissatisfied with the government but also wanted an alternative political direction.
He explained that the movement initially operated under the name Kenya Moja before evolving into Linda Mwananchi.
According to Amisi, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was selected to lead the group because of his political experience, national profile and position as a senior political figure.
The movement subsequently attracted other prominent politicians, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka have also featured in political engagements involving leaders associated with the movement.
These developments have helped increase its visibility, particularly as political leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, attracting influential politicians is only the first stage of building a sustainable political organisation.
The movement must establish clear leadership structures, develop a national agenda and demonstrate that its influence extends beyond individual personalities.
Its ability to bring together leaders with different political ambitions will also determine whether it can maintain unity as the next election approaches.
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Headquarters launch marks another step in the movement’s expansion
The launch of Linda Mwananchi’s headquarters in Lavington represents an important development in its efforts to establish a permanent organisational presence.
A political movement seeking national influence requires more than public meetings and political declarations. It needs structures capable of coordinating activities, communicating with supporters and organising its operations across different regions.
The headquarters is expected to provide a central point for these activities as the movement continues expanding its presence.
The development also comes amid efforts to secure the movement’s formal political identity.
The Registrar of Political Parties approved the reservation of the Linda Mwananchi Movement name in October 2026, giving its promoters a limited period to fulfil the remaining requirements for registration.
Name reservation, however, should not be confused with full registration as a political party.
The movement must complete the applicable legal and administrative requirements before it can operate as a fully registered political party.
Its leadership will also need to address questions surrounding membership, internal elections, nominations and the management of political resources.
These organisational issues will become increasingly important as politicians seeking elective positions consider joining or working with the movement.
For Sifuna, the headquarters launch offers an opportunity to transform the political attention surrounding Linda Mwananchi into a more structured national organisation.
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The 2027 elections present a major test for Sifuna
The growing attention surrounding Linda Mwananchi comes as Kenya gradually enters the political season ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election.
Political formations are already exploring alliances, identifying potential candidates and building regional networks in preparation for the contest.
For Sifuna, the coming months will be particularly important in determining whether Linda Mwananchi can develop into a serious national political force.
His public profile and communication skills have helped him become one of the movement’s most recognisable figures. However, national political success requires more than public visibility.
The movement will need to establish a clear position on the country’s major challenges, including unemployment, taxation, corruption, healthcare, education and the rising cost of living.
It must also explain how its proposed policies would improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
Another major challenge will be managing the different ambitions of politicians associated with the movement.
Some leaders may seek parliamentary seats, others may pursue gubernatorial positions, while others could have broader national ambitions.
Without clear internal procedures, disagreements over nominations and political influence could weaken the movement before the elections.
Sifuna will therefore need to balance political mobilisation with organisational discipline and credible leadership.
The movement’s planned expansion beyond Nairobi will also test its ability to connect with communities whose economic and political priorities may differ.
Its reception in different counties will provide an indication of whether its message can attract a genuinely national following.
Sifuna’s message places political freedom at the centre of the movement
At the heart of Sifuna’s remarks was the argument that Kenya’s democratic freedoms must be respected regardless of political affiliation.
His account of the difficulties encountered by Linda Mwananchi raises important questions about the environment in which political organisations operate.
In a democratic society, political groups should be able to organise meetings, present alternative ideas and seek public support without intimidation.
The responsibility to protect these freedoms rests with the State, security agencies and political leaders across the divide.
The 2027 elections will provide another opportunity for Kenya to demonstrate its commitment to constitutional democracy, peaceful political competition and respect for individual rights.
For Linda Mwananchi, the immediate challenge is to convert its growing visibility into an organised political movement capable of competing effectively.
For Sifuna, the journey described as difficult is far from over. The headquarters launch may represent a significant milestone, but the real test will be whether the movement can maintain unity, expand its grassroots presence and present a convincing alternative to Kenyan voters.
As the political landscape continues to take shape, Sifuna’s remarks have placed the questions of political tolerance, constitutional freedoms and democratic accountability firmly at the centre of the Linda Mwananchi conversation.
