The Linda Mwananchi movement stormed Kakamega Town on Saturday on its second day of touring Western Kenya, wooing President William Ruto’s allies to back Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in his quest for the presidency in 2027.
This, as former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala endorsed the Nairobi senator for the country’s top seat.
"I came here to fulfil the vision of Masinde Muliro and Martin Shikuku. We have been our own enemies, but I am glad I am going to be part of the generation that stops this, and that is why I am declaring today that this time we have found a leader, and my leader is Edwin Watunya Sifuna. This child of ours is capable of president of Kenya," said Mr Malala.
He said the Nairobi Senator is capable of leading the country, applauding Governor Natembeya for shelving his interest to back Mr Sifuna.
“I want to announce today: My party leader, Gachagua, has sent me to announce that he is ready to support Sifuna, too.”
The leaders from Western also stated that they will officially announce Mr Sifuna’s presidential candidature on December 26, the same day that Central Organization of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli is planning to enthrone the Luhya kingpin, in an event dubbed Bukhungu Three.
The leaders said it was time the young Turks from the Mulembe nation took over the reins from seasoned politicians, whom they asked to play mentorship and advisory roles.
The team commenced its rallies in Sabatia, then headed to Isulu, Shinyalu and the main meeting at the heart of Kakamega Town, where a huge crowd had been waiting for the leaders since morning.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna acknowledges supporters during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Butula, Busia County, on August 7, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation
In a total departure from earlier rallies, Mr Sifuna and his team chose to offer an olive branch to President Ruto’s allies rather than attack them as they seek to have the Luhya nation speak in one voice ahead of the next General Election.
He was accompanied by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Senators Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga), Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Richard Onyonka (Kisii), Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Wilberforce Oundo (Funyula), DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, among other leaders.
In a passionate appeal, the Nairobi Senator asked Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to join Linda Mwananchi and back his bid for the presidency.
"I want to send a special message to one person who mentored me politically in ODM. Oparanya, I respect you and I today ask for your vote. Oparanya, I know too well that when you support Sifuna, we cannot lose. You may not like my way of politics, but support me in this journey I have embarked on. It is the season of circumcision. I request, like a boy to the father, allow me to undergo this initiation to be a man," said Mr Sifuna.
He stated that Mr Oparanya was aware of the pain of many Kenyans and that the youth are tired of extrajudicial killings.
"We have supported other people; it is our time to be backed and lead others," said Mr Natembeya.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna acknowledges supporters during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Butula, Busia County, on August 7, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation
He pushed for Luhya unity, saying that in 2027, the Mulembe vote will be in one basket.
"We don't want the Deputy President position; we are going for the top seat. Let nobody lie to you that it is impossible to remove a sitting president in an election. We will achieve it," said Mr Natembeya.
Their push to have Mr Oparanya support Mr Sifuna comes a week after a section of Orange Democratic Movement leaders and those from the Western region pushed for the Cooperative CS to be President Ruto’s running mate in 2027.
Mr Wamboka, however, called for caution before the group enters into a pre-election coalition with any like-minded parties.
"Coalition building can wait; let's build our parties first and work with others later," said Mr Wamboka.
He asked residents of Kakamega to not only back Sifuna but also give him strong elected leaders in Parliament.
"Oparanya is telling us to go back to a party that mistreated Sifuna and me; we will not accept it. Oparanya, do not be lied to by Junet Mohamed that you will be the Deputy President; as Mulembe, we want the presidency, nothing less," said Mr Osotsi.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna addresses residents during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Butula, Busia County, on August 7, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation
He stated that Linda Mwananchi has toured more than 16 counties, a move he claims has got the government panicking.
The brigade is planning to visit 38 constituencies and other counties before declaring Mr Sifuna the presidential candidate.
"To Francis Atwoli, you said you will have a declaration meeting on December 26; that is the same day we will be having a major forum to declare Sifuna our presidential flag bearer," said Mr Osotsi.
He asked their supporters to take all the goodies government operatives were giving them, demand for more, use them and take part of them to Mr Sifuna, like Ol Kalou did in last month’s by-election.
Mr Oundo accused President Ruto’s government of short-changing Mr Oparanya by not appointing him Treasury CS.
