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 defect because they fear political retaliation from the government.
Speaking during an interview, Sifuna alleged that many legislators sympathetic to the movement have chosen to remain silent to protect development projects currently underway in their constituencies.
According to the senator, the MPs have assured the movement’s leadership that they intend to join the opposition at an appropriate political moment but believe doing so now could jeopardize government-funded programmes benefiting their constituents.
Sifuna claimed that some of the legislators had personally requested more time, saying they wanted ongoing infrastructure projects to be completed before publicly declaring their support for Linda Mwananchi.
“They have told us to be patient because they fear that once they openly join us, projects in their constituencies could be stalled or withdrawn,” Sifuna said during the interview.
He alleged that some lawmakers believe the national government could use development funding as a political tool against those perceived to have crossed over to the opposition.
To illustrate his point, Sifuna singled out Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, describing him as one of the few legislators who has openly associated himself with the Linda Mwananchi movement despite what he termed significant political pressure.
According to Sifuna, Kibagendi has remained steadfast in supporting the movement even as he allegedly faces sustained political resistance because of his public position.
The Nairobi senator did not disclose the identities of the other MPs he claimed were privately backing the movement, saying doing so could expose them to unnecessary political consequences before they are ready to make their positions public.
As of Wednesday, the Kenya Kwanza administration had not publicly responded to Sifuna’s allegations that development projects could be manipulated for political purposes.
Sifuna’s remarks come as Linda Mwananchi continues to expand its national profile as an emerging political movement positioning itself as an alternative platform ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The movement, whose prominent figures include Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, has sought to attract leaders dissatisfied with both the ruling coalition and existing opposition formations.
Its agenda has largely focused on issues affecting ordinary Kenyans, including the rising cost of living, youth unemployment, taxation and governance reforms.
Linda Mwananchi has also positioned itself as an alternative to the broad-based cooperation arrangement between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), arguing that Kenya requires a more independent political platform centred on citizens’ interests.
However, even as it gains traction, the movement has experienced internal debate over its future direction.
Some leaders have advocated maintaining Linda Mwananchi as an independent political vehicle, while others favour working within a broader opposition alliance to strengthen efforts to challenge President William Ruto in the August 2027 General Election.
The differing views have highlighted the strategic choices facing the movement as opposition leaders continue exploring possible coalitions while attempting to preserve their individual political identities.
Despite those discussions, Sifuna maintained that Linda Mwananchi continues to attract growing interest from leaders across the political divide and expressed confidence that more legislators will openly join the movement as the country moves closer to the next general election.
