Sifuna Leads Linda Mwananchi Rallies in Busia as 2027 Politics Intensify

The Linda Mwananchi movement began a three-day campaign tour of Western Kenya in Busia on Friday, with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna leading rallies in Bumala, Murumba, Butula and Nambale as the group seeks to strengthen support ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Busia tour followed rallies in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia as the opposition-aligned movement continued its campaign across the region. It also came less than two weeks after President William Ruto visited Busia for the consecration of Bishop Vitalis Job Ekuru at the Anglican Church of Kenya's Katakwa Diocese. 

The timing of the visits underlined Busia's growing political importance. However, several senior figures associated with Linda Mwananchi, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, did not attend the Busia rallies.

During the rallies, Sifuna dismissed claims that he lacks the experience needed to become president. He said leadership should be judged by wisdom, integrity and a commitment to serving citizens rather than years in office. Referring to the biblical story of King Solomon, he said he sought the wisdom needed to lead the country.

"All I need is the wisdom of Solomon to lead Kenyans," he told supporters. 

He also questioned whether experience was necessary to understand that police should not use teargas against worshippers or carry out extrajudicial killings. He cited the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody as an example of police misconduct.

Sifuna also criticised President Ruto's administration, accusing it of failing to fulfil its promises and arguing that the President should not be re-elected. He dismissed long-term policy plans such as Vision 2060 and questioned the measures used to assess the Social Health Authority, saying they did not reflect the challenges facing ordinary Kenyans. 

He urged Busia residents to support Linda Mwananchi as an alternative political movement and reminded them of the region's long-standing support for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The tour took place as the movement continued to face a dispute over the registration of the proposed Linda Mwananchi Party. 

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi accused the government of trying to prevent the movement from securing its preferred party name, alleging interference by individuals linked to the President. He said the group would pursue further action if the Registrar of Political Parties did not resolve the matter quickly.

The disagreement has developed into a legal dispute. Lawyers representing promoter Charles Wanyonyi challenged the Registrar's decision to reopen the registration process without involving their client. The case has highlighted continuing disputes over political party registration and the legal procedures governing the process.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale called on voters in Western Kenya to support Sifuna and avoid divisions between the Luhya and Luo communities. He said the main political contest was not based on ethnicity but on the government's performance. 

Khalwale criticised programmes including the Hustler Fund, university financing reforms and the Competency-Based Curriculum, arguing that they had failed to meet public expectations. His remarks reflected the movement's efforts to unite different groups around shared political concerns.

The Busia campaign will be followed by rallies in Kakamega as Linda Mwananchi continues its tour of Western Kenya.