By Erestinah Jane | July 1, 2026
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has claimed that several Members of Parliament allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration privately support the Linda Mwananchi movement but are reluctant to publicly declare their allegiance for fear of political retaliation.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Sifuna said a number of legislators have held private conversations with the movement’s leadership, expressing support for its agenda while insisting that the timing is not yet right to defect from the ruling side.
According to the senator, the lawmakers have assured the movement that they intend to formally join once the country’s political landscape shifts closer to the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna attributed their hesitation to concerns that openly siding with the opposition could attract punitive action from the national government.
He alleged that many of the MPs fear being politically isolated or having development projects in their constituencies frustrated if they publicly abandon the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The senator claimed that several of the legislators currently have key infrastructure projects at different stages of implementation and worry that government funding could be delayed or withheld altogether if they are perceived as opposing President William Ruto’s administration.
“They support what Linda Mwananchi stands for, but they believe the political environment is not yet favourable for them to make that decision publicly,” Sifuna said during the interview.
He added that the lawmakers have promised to formally join the movement when the political climate becomes more conducive, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna did not disclose the identities of the MPs he was referring to, saying revealing their names at this stage could expose them to unnecessary political pressure.
His remarks come as Linda Mwananchi continues to position itself as a growing political force seeking to attract leaders from different political backgrounds under a platform focused on governance reforms, accountability and citizen-centred leadership.
The movement has in recent months expanded its national footprint by bringing together politicians, professionals and civil society figures from across the country.
Among those who have recently associated themselves with the movement are former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter, Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo and former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo.
Their involvement has strengthened Linda Mwananchi’s efforts to build a broad-based, multi-regional coalition ahead of the next general election.
Sifuna said the movement remains committed to engaging leaders across the political divide and believes more lawmakers will join as the country’s political realignments gather momentum.
While his claims could not be independently verified, they underscore the growing political manoeuvring taking place as parties and political movements intensify preparations for the 2027 polls.
