By Brian Said Iha
July 9, 2026
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been formally endorsed as the Linda Mwananchi movement’s presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, with leaders unveiling an ambitious political roadmap that begins with a major mobilization tour of Western Kenya later this month.
The endorsement was reached during a high-level strategy meeting convened at the official residence of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, where movement leaders agreed to rally behind Sifuna as they intensify preparations for the next general election.
The campaign will officially kick off on July 25, 2026, with a major public rally in Kitale Town, Trans Nzoia County, bringing together supporters and leaders from across the Western region.
A day later, on July 26, the movement will hold a mega homecoming celebration and cultural event at Posta Grounds in Bungoma County. During the ceremony, elders representing all 17 Luhya sub-tribes, alongside representatives of the Teso community, are expected to symbolically crown Sifuna as the region’s political spokesman before endorsing his nationwide presidential campaign.
The endorsement comes amid growing political realignments within the opposition. It follows Sifuna’s removal as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General after prolonged internal disputes that have deepened divisions within the party.
Several leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement, including Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, have indicated that the upcoming Western Kenya tour could mark the beginning of a major political shift, with a section of leaders expected to leave ODM and support the formation of a new political vehicle ahead of the 2027 elections.
Movement leaders said the immediate focus will be consolidating support across Western Kenya, a region they estimate commands more than four million votes, before expanding their campaign to other parts of the country through strategic political alliances.
Meanwhile, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka has cautioned against any attempts to disrupt the planned Bungoma gathering, warning rival political groups against hiring goons to interfere with the event.
He urged supporters to maintain peace and ensure the rallies proceed in an orderly manner, saying the movement is committed to conducting peaceful political engagements as it embarks on its nationwide campaign.
