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Maraga joins Sifuna, Orengo Linda Mwananchi camp in renewed push to oust Ruto
Former Chief Justice David Maraga (centre), Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna (right) and other opposition leaders acknowledge greetings from members of the public during a women empowerment program in Mosocho, Kisii County on July 3, 2026.
What you need to know:
- The former Chief Justice expressed his readiness to collaborate with like-minded Opposition leaders.
- Mr Sifuna stated that Linda Mwananchi would not be used to split the presidential vote in 2027.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga joined the Linda Mwananchi team on Friday amid a renewed push for opposition unity.
Mr Maraga stated that he would work with the group headed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in their resolve to send President William Ruto home.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga (left) speaks in Mosocho, Kisii County, during a women empowerment program on July 3, 2026.
Mr Maraga, who held meetings with some members of the group on Thursday before teaming up with them during their rallies in Kisii town, Keumbu and Keroka, expressed his readiness to collaborate with like-minded leaders.
The former Chief Justice made the declaration during a women empowerment meeting at Monarch Hotel grounds in Mosocho, Kisii County.
"Wananchi are saying that what is killing our country is theft of public resources, and they want it returned. They told me, 'CJ, go there, talk with your colleagues, so that we are united. Return our country to where it should be and work with those who want our country to prosper.' That is why I am here. We have joined hands with Linda Mwananchi. We want to work with those who seek to restore our country," said Mr Maraga as he launched a scathing attack on President Ruto.
"They are killing our children, then calling their parents for Sh1million compensation. Even before they finish that, they kill more. Kenya cannot continue this way. Can Kenyans please listen to me? It will be a tragedy if Ruto returns as President on August 10, 2027. We will not have a country; Kenya will not be the same again if Ruto is reelected. Let's unite; we want this government sent home. We must respect and listen to wananchi," added Mr Maraga, who has been crisscrossing the country as the United Green Movement Party flag bearer.
Mr Sifuna stated that Linda Mwananchi would not be used to split the presidential vote in 2027, vowing to ensure the group teams up with the United Alternative Government.
"Linda Mwananchi will not be used to split the opposition vote. If anyone thinks Sifuna is being pressured to vie for the presidency alone, allowing Ruto to get reelected, that won’t be possible. I want to state from Kisii, it won’t be possible. We will reach out to Dr Fred Matiang'i and assure him that our team can deliver victory as he shares his agenda," Mr Sifuna said as he revealed plans to form a strong united team against President Ruto.
"If we go alone as Linda Mwananchi, we can win the presidency, but it will take considerable effort. Our brothers from the United Opposition can also win if they go alone, but that will take time. What Kenyans are telling us is that they want Ruto sent home as early as 6 am. So, we will all discuss and form a strong united team," he added.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna speaks during a women empowerment program in Mosocho, Kisii County on July 3, 2026.
Mr Orengo explained that they oppose President Ruto for several reasons, including the theft of the election victory of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in 2022, extrajudicial killings, abductions, and arbitrary arrests.
"We saw Bob Njagi in court the other day. I want to tell youths from Gusii to call on me for pro bono services whenever they collide with the government due to political differences,” Mr Orengo said.
Siaya Governor James Orengo speaks during a women empowerment program in Mosocho, Kisii County on July 3, 2026.
He promised that the team will work with the Gusii political supremo, former Interior Minister, Dr Fred Matiang’i.
“We will work with Dr Matiang'i and other leaders in the United Opposition to send Ruto home,” Mr Orengo said.
Mr Owino criticised the Ruto-led government, stating it has heavily invested in corruption, making the delivery of essential services difficult.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka (left) and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino during a women empowerment program in Mosocho, Kisii County on July 3, 2026.
"Every shilling lost is an incomplete classroom in a school, a bed in a hospital not purchased, medicine not bought in hospitals, a road not constructed, and a dream deferred for a woman, man, and youth. We are tired," said Mr Owino.
Although Dr Matiang'i did not attend the rallies, his presence was felt as leader after leader expressed their readiness to collaborate with him.
Legislators who attended the meeting include Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Patrick Makau (Mavoko), and host Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), along with former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo.
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