Linda Mwananchi Movement brings Kisii to a stand still

The Linda Mwananchi movement, an ODM faction led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, took its mobilisation drive to Kisii County on Friday, holding a series of meetings aimed at consolidating opposition support in the Gusii region ahead of 2027.

The tour, which had been postponed twice, kicked off at Monarch Mosocho with a closed-door engagement with self-help women’s groups. According to Sifuna, the session was meant to listen to challenges facing small businesses, access to credit, and rising cost of living.

“In view of the planned commemoration of the June 24 protests and in honor of all our fallen heroes, we rescheduled our activities to this week,” Sifuna said in a statement shared on X. “We have come to listen, not just to speak.”

From Mosocho, the team proceeded to Kisii Town for a mega rally that drew hundreds of residents, boda boda operators, and traders. Speakers included Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and host Senator Richard Onyonka.

Onyonka, who was bereaved in May following the death of his mother, noted that the event had been deferred to allow the region to mourn. He urged Gusii voters to remain united.

Babu Owino told the crowd the movement’s goal was to build a united opposition ticket to challenge President William Ruto in 2027. “We as Linda Mwananchi have resolved not to allow ourselves to be used to enable Ruto secure a second term,” he said.

The team concluded the day with meet-the-people stops in Keumbu and Keroka, where leaders addressed concerns on market fees, youth unemployment, and healthcare.

The Kisii and Nyamira engagements are part of a wider national tour by Linda Mwananchi, which has already held rallies in Busia, Kitengela, Kakamega, Narok, Mombasa and Thika. The movement says it is working to streamline operations and resource mobilisation ahead of the next election cycle.

Political analysts say the renewed focus on Gusii is significant. The region has historically been an ODM stronghold, but UDA has made inroads in recent years.

The Linda Mwananchi faction positions itself as the custodian of ODM’s original ideals of social justice and opposition politics, following realignments within the party after the death of Raila Odinga in October 2025.