The Linda Mwananchi Movement, an ODM splinter group, is progressively extending its influence across the nation, with vote-rich Mt Kenya now in its sights.
This occurs as opposition realignments intensify in preparation for next year’s General Election.
Recently, the faction has escalated its nationwide mobilization efforts, organizing rallies aimed at solidifying grassroots backing.
Interestingly, allies of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka are now part of the movement’s political leadership.
“As Linda Mwananchi, our focus is to expand this movement into a broad coalition and attract as many people as possible,” Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi told the Star on Tuesday.
For some time, Kalonzo’s two MPs, Mavoko’s Patrick Makau and Kaiti’s Joshua Kimilu, have been involved with the group led by embattled ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
However, at a Sunday rally in Machakos, two additional Kalonzo supporters joined, indicating attempts to construct a wider coalition capable of challenging President William Ruto.
The rally was attended by Joyce Kamene (Machakos MP) and Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo.
Maanzo told the Star they had Kalonzo’s approval.
None of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s allies attended, but Jubilee’s Pauline Njoroge is part of the team.
“We had the blessings of Kalonzo. Two of our members, Patrick Makau and Joshua Kimilu, have been part of the team, so we came to support them,” Maanzo told the Star.
“You know Orengo and Sifuna are still part of ODM. They are still in ODM. This is the original Azimio.”
The team is now turning to Mt Kenya, with a rally planned in Kiambu County, marking its first significant charm offensive in an area considered vital for determining the outcome of the 2027 presidential contest.
The team will hold gatherings in Thika and Gatundu South on June 14.
According to the plan, the day will commence with a church service at Africa Inland Church, Thika.
“We will be in Thika on June 14 for a major rally, which is part of our nationwide engagements,” Sifuna confirmed to the Star.
The movement has also planned another Mt Kenya initiative in Meru.
“After Thika, we may go to Meru, though the date is not yet confirmed,” Osotsi said.
“Similarly, we have plans to go to Eldoret and even Northern Kenya Garissa, Marsabit, Isiolo and all those areas. So we are not just concentrating on the traditional ODM areas.”
“We are also venturing into new regions because we want a movement that will unite all ODM supporters, the people who believe in Baba’s philosophy and other Kenyans as well,” Osotsi said.
The team has held major rallies in Nairobi, Busia, Kakamega, Kajiado, Kisumu and Mombasa counties.
On Sunday, the team conducted twin rallies in Machakos and Mlolongo towns.
The expansion comes amid increasing speculation that the Linda Mwananchi faction could eventually unite with Kalonzo’s united opposition team.
While no formal agreement has been announced, growing interactions between leaders associated with the two camps have fueled merger discussions.
However, Osotsi dismissed speculation that the movement is forming political alliances, asserting that the group’s immediate priority is consolidating support nationwide.
The senator stated that the movement has deliberately entered regions traditionally considered politically unfriendly in an effort to popularize its agenda and build a national support network.
He noted that the team’s ongoing nationwide engagements are aimed at strengthening grassroots structures and addressing wananchi’s concerns rather than negotiating coalition arrangements with other political formations.
“We want to create new energy among Kenyans. It is not about heightening stakes, but we have a bigger mission and the bigger mission is to create a new Kenya for all Kenyans. The starting point is to have a movement that will resonate with that aspiration,” Osotsi said.
“We are not discussing joining anyone at this time. We are discussing how to mobilize Kenyans with similar thinking into a large movement called Linda Mwananchi. That is why we are even going to areas that are not traditionally ODM strongholds.”
Political observers note that the movement can no longer be dismissed as a fringe faction.
According to university don Prof Gitile Naituli, the Linda Mwananchi Movement has grown into a significant political force that cannot be ignored.
The political analyst observed that the movement has steadily expanded its influence beyond its traditional support bases and is increasingly drawing attention from voters across different regions.
“You cannot ignore Linda Mwananchi unless you are not very clever,” Prof Naituli told the Star.
“Kenyans are very desperate and, if people are desperate, they want something that is completely untested.”
He predicted that if the current momentum continues, Linda Mwananchi could emerge as the main challenger to incumbent President Ruto in next year’s presidential contest.
Already, there are discussions within political circles about the possibility of Sifuna becoming a presidential contender.
Although the senator has not yet made his presidential ambitions public, conversations surrounding his national appeal and political prospects are becoming increasingly common among supporters and analysts alike.
This occurs even as leaders allied to the ODM leader Oburu Oginga’s camp challenge the Linda Mwananchi group to resign and seek a fresh mandate under their new organization.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Monday challenged the Orengo group to resign and face ODM at the ballot if they are “men enough”.
“If you think you are men enough, leave ODM, form your party, come back with it and run against ODM,” Wandayi said.
With coalition talks continuing and opposition leaders seeking common ground, the coming months are expected to reveal whether the growing alliance-building efforts will result in a formidable political force ahead of the next electoral cycle.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Linda Mwananchi is extending beyond ODM’s traditional support bases. The movement is also attracting allies of other opposition heavyweights, particularly Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. In this way, the movement is testing its capacity to transcend party and regional lines. The strategy reflects an understanding that defeating President William Ruto will require broad-based national mobilization, not just reliance on opposition strongholds. However, its long-term survival will depend on whether it establishes a clear political identity, strong leadership and effective electoral structures beyond anti-government rhetoric and internal ODM grievances.