Linda Mwananchi team to field presidential candidate in 2027, Sifuna camp says

During the three rallies, an attack on Senator Osotsi in Kisumu a few weeks ago and calls for Luo-Luhya unity dominated the speeches.

The leaders utilised what was Mr Osotsi’s homecoming to urge their supporters not to allow themselves to fall into a trap meant to breed discord between the Mulembe Nation and the Luo community.

The leaders aimed their guns at President Ruto, whom they accused of not fulfilling his campaign promises and instead running down the country, leaving the common mwananchi with a heavy burden.

Also Read: Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo camp game plan ahead of 2027 polls

“Linda Mwananchi will form the next government, and the sixth president will come from this movement,” said Mr Osotsi, while addressing his supporters at Shamakhokho in Vihiga County.

He revisited his woes, from the attack by goons in Kisumu to being removed as party leader and attempts by the top hierarchy to have him betray Mr Sifuna.

“I am happy I am back home. They sent 17 goons to kill me because of three reasons, one of them being my refusal to back President Ruto’s re-election bid. We shall continue with the one-term campaign against the President,” said Mr Osotsi.

He said their woes were not limited to that, as they were also stripped of their positions in the party as punishment for disobeying ODM party directives, and attempts were made to have him replace Mr Sifuna.

“They said Sifuna should be removed, but I defended him. They called me and offered me the Secretary General position, but I told them I will not betray Sifuna and will remain the Deputy Party Leader. They tried to bribe me, but I didn’t accept,” said Mr Osotsi.

He, however, stated that they will not bow to pressure and will continue with their anti-Ruto campaign as they work towards capturing power.

During the meetings, police presence was evident as officers kept vigil while the leaders delivered their speeches.

Some of the people who accompanied the Linda Mwananchi team donned merchandise branded with the People’s Renaissance Movement Party, which is rumoured to be the registered party for the faction.

Mr Sifuna responded to ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga, who had earlier claimed that Raila Odinga had issues with him.

“Oburu, who told you that ODM will not field a presidential candidate? You see the people sitting here are all capable leaders,” said Mr Sifuna while speaking in Luanda.

Also Read:Anatomy of ODM’s growing confusion

On the Osotsi attack, Mr Sifuna said: “They have mobilised all manner of things against us, including goons. But we want to tell them: We will not be silenced and we will not fear.”

Mr Orengo said the Linda Mwananchi movement is currently the biggest in the country and must therefore be on the ballot.

“Linda Mwananchi is currently the biggest movement and must produce a presidential candidate. We will stay in ODM and ensure Raila’s party remains strong while Ruto goes home,” said Mr Orengo.

He heaped praise on the Vihiga Senator, saying he played a critical role in the election petition that saw the victory of former President Uhuru Kenyatta overturned.

He lashed out at unnamed leaders whom he claimed are working to create a rift between the Luo and Luhya communities.

“Osotsi is a resident of Kisumu; I welcome all of you there. Luos and Luhyas are one, and that is why we play soccer together, love music, and have intermarried. We cannot be separated by politics,” said Mr Orengo.

He reiterated his stance that the ODM top leadership is not acting in the interests of members and the public, declaring himself the interim party leader.

“Sifuna remains the party Secretary General. And because Oburu is joking with the mandate, that is why I am the interim party leader,” said Mr Orengo.

Mr Owino said those who attacked Mr Osotsi at a restaurant in Kisumu were criminals and not representative of the community.

Also Read: Linda Mwananchi unveils June protest plan in Nakuru rally

“It is not all Luos who attacked Osotsi; they respect him. We want the goons arrested and justice to take its course,” said Mr Owino.

He added that the continued tenure of President Ruto in office is unbearable for the common mwananchi.

“We don’t have jobs or money to take our children to school, pay rent, or buy food, yet we are being told to support Ruto for a second term. No, we can’t,” said the Embakasi East MP.

Mr Amisi said Linda Mwananchi was there to complete the journey started by the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.

“You people from Vihiga, do not allow the millions of votes you cast for Raila to go in vain. Give us youthful leaders the same support so that we complete the journey,” said Mr Amisi.

He said President Ruto’s policies have failed.

Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo said the government they will form will be different and not self-centred like the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“These leaders sitting here have decided to form the next government—a government of the people that will put the interests of the people first,” said Mr Gisairo.

The leaders warned the youth against being used, saying the government will turn against them as it did with Mungiki.

“Do not allow yourself to be paid Sh1, 000 to attack a brother or sister tomorrow in Kisumu,” said Mr Owino.

On Sunday, the team heads to Kisumu, where it will attend a church service in the morning before holding a rally at Owuoro grounds.

However, tension looms ahead of the planned rally, with pro-government supporters vowing not to allow the Linda Mwananchi team to proceed with the event.

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