Linda Mwananchi vows to strengthen grassroots network

The Linda Mwananchi Movement has moved swiftly to absorb ODM county coordinators across the country as it gears up to transform itself into a political movement ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

They have also resolved to strengthen its grassroots structures across the country after convening a meeting of county coordinators from more than 36 counties in Nairobi yesterday, where they declared that the movement would intensify its engagements as they prepare for the 2027 General Election.

The meeting brought  together Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and county coordinators who previously served under ODM structures.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Governor Orengo said the movement had witnessed tremendous growth and was determined to expand its presence across the country.

"We have recognized the growth of Linda Mwananchi. Going by the numbers we are seeing out there, Linda Mwananchi is the most popular political formation in the country. We have committed ourselves to continue traversing the length and breadth of the country to popularize our movement," Orengo said.

He said the meeting had resolved to strengthen the movement's grassroots structures to ensure it remained connected with citizens, adding that the recent Ol Kalou by-election had demonstrated that voters would not be swayed by money or intimidation.

"If there is anything Ol Kalou has shown us, it is that billions of shillings will not count. What will count is our stand with the people," he said.

The meeting came barely a day after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was removed as Senate Deputy Minority Whip and replaced by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch in changes announced by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.

Sifuna used the meeting to criticize the ODM leadership, claiming that decisions affecting the party were no longer being made internally.

"Decisions affecting ODM and its membership are no longer made at Orange House. Those decisions, including the one that removed me as Deputy Minority Whip yesterday, are now made at State House," Sifuna said.

He maintained that Linda Mwananchi had become the home of ODM's traditional grassroots supporters.

"These are Raila's grassroots foot soldiers. I remain Raila's last Secretary-General, and I can assure you there is no stronger team in the country than the leaders you see behind me," he said.

The senator said county coordinators had briefed the leadership on the deteriorating economic situation across the country, citing drought-induced crop failure in the North Rift, stalled irrigation schemes in Turkana, rising unemployment, and struggling businesses.

"We have received reports of crop failure, rising unemployment, and businesses struggling because the purchasing power of Kenyans has been eroded. We, as Linda Mwananchi, are going to be a force for good, especially in highlighting the plight of our people so that solutions can be found," Sifuna said.

On the Ol Kalou by-election, Sifuna congratulated the people of Ol Kalou and the winning candidate, saying the outcome reflected the will of the electorate despite allegations of voter bribery and intimidation.

"The people of Ol Kalou have shown us that it doesn't matter what the regime throws at them, be it goodies, intimidation, or violence. The people, in their supreme power, will have the final say in elections, including in 2027," he said.

He, however, called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to investigate allegations of voter bribery and the misuse of state resources during the campaigns.

"We still want accountability. We don't want a repeat of what we witnessed in Ol Kalou during the 2027 General Election," he added.

The resolutions come ahead of the Linda Mwananchi tour of Taita Taveta County on Saturday, where the movement is expected to continue its grassroots mobilization campaign with rallies in Mwatate, Wundanyi, and Voi as it seeks to expand its support base ahead of the next General Election.

The meetings are expected to bring together leaders allied to the Opposition, who have in recent months been traversing different parts of the country to popularize their agenda, engage residents on governance issues, and rally support for political reforms.