Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya openly mocked Babu Owino and Edwin Sifuna following the announcement that the Linda Mwananchi rallies would temporarily pause.
In a video shared on his social media platforms on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Salasya claimed the political wave created by the duo had already fizzled out. The outspoken lawmaker suggested that the momentum behind the movement was short-lived and overly hyped.
According to Salasya, the entire initiative lacked substance and staying power.
“I told you guys that Linda Mwananchi was only excitement ya pesa kidogo afadhali mimi. I went across the country 3 months consecutively daily…very soon I am coming back strong as a passionate leader with a vision of Kenya,” he said.
Salasya insisted that his own political tours demonstrated greater consistency and endurance. He noted that while he traversed the country daily for three consecutive months before taking a break, the Linda Mwananchi camp had only managed three rallies — in Busia, Kitengela, and Kakamega — before announcing a pause.
The MP framed the comparison as proof that his political mobilization strategy was more structured and sustainable.
The Mumias East legislator went further, alleging that key political figures who had initially aligned themselves with the movement had since retreated to their original political bases within the united opposition.
“Leo umeona wale watu walikuwa plae jwa hiyo movement wamerudi kwa Matiang’i. All these people wamerudi sasa movement imebaki kama haina mtu, haina mwelekeo,” he said.
He claimed that politicians had rejoined camps associated with Fred Matiang’i, leaving the Linda Mwananchi outfit weakened and directionless.
Salasya maintained that the movement was merely a decoy crafted by influential actors to distract Kenyans from pressing governance concerns, including corruption and accountability.
He also challenged Owino and Sifuna to resign from the Orange Democratic Movement and form their own political party if they were truly committed to defending citizens.
The controversy emerged just days after Sifuna addressed supporters during a rally in Kakamega on Saturday, February 21, 2026, announcing that the political tours would pause.
According to Sifuna, the decision was guided by respect for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. He explained that Muslim faithful across the country needed time and space to focus on religious observances.
The Senator assured supporters that the rallies would resume once Ramadan concludes, with Mombasa expected to be among the first stops before expanding to other counties.
The exchange highlights simmering tensions within opposition ranks. While some view the break as a strategic pause, others interpret it as a sign of internal recalibration.
Political analysts note that such public spats could shape narratives ahead of the 2027 general election cycle, as leaders position themselves for influence and grassroots support.
Whether the Linda Mwananchi movement regains its momentum or fades into political memory may depend on how effectively its architects reorganize during the break.
For now, Salasya appears determined to capitalize on the pause — promising a political comeback backed by what he describes as a clearer national vision.
