By Erestinah Jane, July 12, 2026
The Jubilee Party has extended an invitation to the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi movement to forge a political alliance, signaling fresh efforts to strengthen opposition unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The invitation comes in the wake of a public fallout between the Linda Mwananchi movement and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the ongoing campaigns for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, exposing growing cracks within the opposition.
Speaking on Sunday, July 12, during a public meeting at Fr Ntaiya Estate in Narok County, Jubilee Party Secretary General Moitalel ole Kenta said the party was ready to work with the Linda Mwananchi movement and other like-minded groups committed to advancing democratic governance and national unity.
Ole Kenta said Jubilee remains an inclusive political party that welcomes all Kenyans regardless of their political, ethnic or regional backgrounds, adding that collaboration among opposition leaders is essential in building a stronger alternative leadership ahead of the next General Election.
He emphasized that the party’s doors remain open to the Linda Mwananchi team and any other political formations seeking to champion constitutionalism, accountability and people-centred leadership.
The invitation follows a political standoff sparked by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who recently warned the Linda Mwananchi movement against participating in campaigns for the upcoming Ol Kalou Constituency by-election.
Speaking from the headquarters of his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Gachagua directed Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi movement to stay away from the mini-poll, arguing that the contest should be left to local DCP leaders.
He maintained that the by-election is a local political affair and cautioned what he termed as “outsiders” against joining the campaign at the final stages.
Following the remarks, the Linda Mwananchi movement cancelled its planned campaign activities in Ol Kalou and instead shifted its Sunday political rally to Nyahururu Town, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to avoid further confrontation with Gachagua’s camp.
The developments have underscored growing competition among opposition leaders as they seek to consolidate influence in the politically significant Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 elections.
Jubilee, which is backed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has already endorsed Dr. Fred Matiang’i as its presidential candidate and continues to position itself as a key player in efforts to build a broad opposition coalition.
Senior Jubilee officials have also praised the Linda Mwananchi movement for its growing popularity, arguing that it has emerged as one of the country’s most influential grassroots political formations.
The party’s Deputy Leader, Jeremiah Kioni, has previously acknowledged that the movement has gained significant momentum across the country, attracting large public gatherings and energising opposition supporters.
Political analysts say Jubilee’s latest outreach reflects ongoing efforts to forge strategic alliances capable of mounting a formidable challenge against President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration in the next General Election.
As realignments continue to reshape Kenya’s political landscape, attention is expected to focus on whether the Linda Mwananchi movement will formally embrace Jubilee’s invitation or pursue an independent path as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace.
