Linda Mwananchi leaders dismiss claims of splitting opposition vote

Leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement have dismissed claims that they are out to split the opposition vote ahead of the 2027 General Election, insisting they are committed to working with other opposition leaders to mount a united challenge against President William Ruto's re-election bid.

The Linda Mwananchi movement toured Kisii and Nyamira counties on Friday, making several stops beginning in Kitutu Chache South before proceeding to Kisii Town, Keumbu and later Keroka Town.

Speaking during their maiden political tour of the Gusii region, the leaders also criticised the government over what they described as the continued abductions, arbitrary arrests, and killings of young people across the country.

The delegation included Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Chief Justice David Maraga, Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata and several other leaders.

Addressing supporters, the leaders dismissed claims that the Linda Mwananchi movement was formed to split the opposition vote, insisting its primary goal is to unite opposition forces ahead of the 2027 General Election.

"Kuna watu wanasema ati sisi tunatumika kugawa kura ndio Kasongo apite kati kati. Sisi kama Linda Mwananchi tunasema hakuna mtu atafungulia hio paka iruke nje... tutaungana paamoja," said Sifuna.

Babu Owino added: “Hii nchi, 5 per cent of the total population controls 95 per cent of resources, and 95 per cent of Kenyans only have 5 per cent of resources. We want a country where everybody is somebody. Ata wameinvest sana kwa ufisadi..."

The leaders also criticised the government over what they described as continued abductions, arbitrary arrests and the killing of young Kenyans in various parts of the country.

"The issue of abduction must stop. We cannot continue like this when there is a blatant disregard of the rule of law,” said former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo.

Kang'ata on his part, said, “We want an improvement in the health sector; we need improvement in infrastructure and that is why Linda Mwananchi ndiyo mahali Wakenya wako."

Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi added, "Sisi kama jamii ya Omogusii tuko nyuma ya Linda Mwananchi."

"Tukiwa na hii team tutasimama na viongozi wanaoamini Kasongo anafaa kuenda nyumbani,” Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu added.

The leaders also rallied Kenyans to register as voters, saying the ballot remains the surest path to political change in the 2027 General Election.

"Sisi kama Linda Mwananchi tuko tayari kuface Ruto head on... Hii ndiyo team ya kumfanya one term,” Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said.

As Linda Mwananchi continues its charm offensive across different regions of the country, the leaders maintain they will remain united and field a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.