Senator Onyonka acknowledges Linda Mwananchi divisions

According to Onyonka, the old guard within the party is making efforts to coach the younger political firebrands to ensure that the party remains united and formidable.

He admitted that some politicians do not hold the same political ambitions, sparking friction in forging a unified political mission as they strategise on their path to the 2027 General Election.

"We are talking to the younger politicians, and we are telling them to learn from our mistakes. As Babu Owino is rising higher in office, people are now realizing that he has to move to a steady ship and not be a rebel riser. Babu (Owino) can wait," Onyoka said on Thursday while appearing on Radio Generation.

He said he, being amongst the older members in the faction, offers advice to the Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Owino, through his political career going way back to previous election cycles.

The legislator said that the faction is seeking to create cohesiveness and will tame the young prominent leaders among them, people's favorite Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino to fortify the party's ambitions.

"We will try and work on Babu, his relationship with Sifuna. They do not have a fight as per say its the people making noise. We are working on their relationship. We believe that once we sit with Kalonzo and the team things will be well," Onyoka stated.

He however intimated that there is a tiff between Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya over dominance in the Western region, adding that MP Amisi has forged his own party to seek influence, a move he foresees will spark fragmentation.

"Caleb Amisi is having an issue with Natembeya because they come from the same place. Some people say that Amisi had the intention to run for governor, and Natembeya showed support for Sifuna, who became the people's darling in Western, and as a result, Amisi, because of the rivalry, decided to form his own political party," he said.

Senator Onyonka said that for Linda Mwananchi, being a young faction, infiltration is feasible because of the varying personal political ambitions.

"The ups and downs, the noise you see, some of our members are going to be infiltrated, people will be given money, but there are fewer of us who are not going to compromise," he said.

He, however, maintained that the movement is committed to working as a unit and is working on a manifesto that will soon be made public.

"Some of us are not trying to play opposition politics because it is beautiful. We just feel the country is going the wrong way. We are in the process of drafting the manifesto. They have finished the blueprint and it is not in the final draft," he noted.

He also added that the movement is planning to hold a retreat to streamline all underlying issues, including deciding on their presidential flagbearers under the United Opposition.

This comes as Edwin Sifuna has publicly been poised as the preferred presidential candidate by some opposition members, but premiers including Saiaya Governor James Orengo, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, PLP party leader Martha Karua, and Jubilee Party deputy leader Fred Matiang’i have also expressed interest in the seat.