Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is accelerating his 2027 presidential bid under the Linda Mwananchi Movement, drawing large crowds across Western Kenya after his break with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The surge has drawn sharp resistance from established Luhya figures, including COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who argue he lacks the experience for the top seat and warn against division of the community’s votes.
Sifuna, removed as ODM Secretary-General amid disputes over the party’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration following Raila Odinga’s death, has positioned Linda Mwananchi as a people-centred alternative focused on constitutionalism, accountability, and economic issues affecting ordinary Kenyans. After legal hurdles, the movement secured reservation of the Linda Mwananchi Movement name and is rebranding The Equitable Party as its political vehicle, with Sifuna declared its preferred presidential candidate. He has held rallies and aspirant meetings in Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega and other areas, including a homecoming in Bungoma where supporters contributed cash spontaneously—an uncommon reversal of typical campaign financing.
Atwoli has repeatedly dismissed Sifuna’s readiness, insisting a one-term senator must “suffer” through stages of leadership, build networks and understand the economy before seeking the presidency. He has claimed that figures from the “mountain” (Kikuyu political interests, linked in his remarks to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and others) are using Sifuna to split Luhya votes. In recent comments, Atwoli warned that continued support for Sifuna could allow Ruto to win without Western Kenya’s backing and cost leaders such as Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi positions in a future government. He has urged Luhyas to prioritise unity and experience over new bids.
Wetang’ula has been equally direct, telling Sifuna to wait until 2032. Speaking in Vihiga and other Western events, the Speaker cited Kenya’s political history—from Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi to Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto—arguing that no first-time parliamentarian has become president on a first attempt. He noted his own entry into Parliament in 1992 and stated his intention to seek the presidency in 2032 after Ruto’s second term. Wetang’ula has framed the criticism as a call for political maturity rather than personal rivalry.
Tensions have spilled into reported violence. Linda Mwananchi supporters say Anne Sitati, a Sifuna backer from Kimilili, was assaulted at Stadium View Resort in Kimilili by Abdul Aziz Mulama, a Ford Kenya parliamentary aspirant (the party associated with Wetang’ula). They allege she was questioned about her political stance and hit with a glass; the incident was reported to Kimilili Police Station. Movement allies have demanded an arrest and condemned the attack as an attempt to intimidate supporters, particularly women in politics. Authorities have not publicly confirmed details as of the latest reports.
The exchanges underscore deeper contests over Luhya political influence, succession in Western Kenya and opposition strategy ahead of 2027. Sifuna maintains he remains an ODM member but will not seek the party’s ticket, accusing the organisation of external influence, while established leaders emphasise structures, experience and regional cohesion. With party registration processes advancing and mobilisation continuing, the rift is likely to shape both local dynamics in Bungoma and Kakamega counties and broader efforts to challenge or accommodate the current administration.