By Bonface Mulyungi
Leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement on Sunday declared they would remain united ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting their alliance would be key to unseating President William Ruto.
Addressing supporters during a church service at AIC Kyanda Church in Mutituni, Machakos County, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino reaffirmed their commitment to the opposition movement and pledged support for Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The leaders said they recognised Kalonzo’s loyalty to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, noting that he stood by Raila’s presidential bids for 15 years despite repeated electoral defeats.
Sifuna dismissed claims that members of the Linda Mwananchi movement could be persuaded to support President Ruto’s re-election bid.
“You have been cheated for long. Mimi Sifuna, mtanunuliwa kabla ninunuliwe. We want to cut government expenditure by doing away with some taxes,” Sifuna told supporters.
He said fears had emerged after some ODM leaders joined the broad-based government but insisted those in the Linda Mwananchi movement would remain steadfast.
“Some ODM members used to say they couldn’t talk to Ruto; they now eat together. So, Kenyans fear that some of us in Linda Mwananchi would still be bought ahead of the polls,” he said.
The ODM Secretary General described Kalonzo as one of Raila’s most loyal political allies and thanked Machakos residents for their support for the former Prime Minister over the years.
“Most of us in the Linda Mwananchi movement are in ODM. We haven’t forgotten that Kalonzo supported Raila for many years. We will stick together. Hatutaachana, hatuachani,” Sifuna said.
“As ODM Secretary General, I am here to confirm that Kalonzo was a friend to Raila. I have a register of Baba’s friends. Sisi tumetembea na nyinyi. Safari hii, wengi wa wana ODM tuko Linda Mwananchi na hatujasahau mlikua na Baba. Hatuachani, tuko pamoja,” he added.
The leaders also criticised the government’s reported plan to host Ebola-related isolation facilities for people from the United States.
“Hawatoki kwa mpaka ya DRC lakini yeye anasema wawekwe kwa ndege waletwe Laikipia. Hiyo sasa ni maamuzi aina gani?” Sifuna said.
Orengo used the rally to reassure Kalonzo of support from a section of ODM leaders, saying dialogue between the opposition partners remained intact.
“I have told Kalonzo not to worry. If he wants to speak to ODM, I, Orengo, as the chairman, Sifuna and Otsosi are ready to talk. Where I come from, people are crying a lot,” Orengo said.
The Siaya governor said Raila’s legacy continued to inspire the opposition alliance and suggested the former ODM leader would have supported the Machakos gathering.
“Raila’s spirit is here in Machakos. If Raila could have been here, his friend Kalonzo Musyoka could be here. We thank Kalonzo for working with Raila for 15 years,” he said.
Orengo also recounted his detention during the struggle for political reforms, narrating how he was deported from Tanzania and imprisoned in Kenya.
He urged opposition leaders to remain united and resist attempts to divide them.
“If you betray the people, you die before the time God had wanted you to die. Let’s remain as a team. Let’s stand together and be strong for Kenya,” he said.
The leaders were hosted by Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, who urged young people not to allow themselves to be used for political purposes.
Makau, who has declared interest in the Machakos governor’s seat, said he remained firmly in the Linda Mwananchi movement.
He added that Wiper-elected leaders participating in the movement should not be viewed as opposing the party leadership.
