Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has drawn a line over the direction of the Linda Mwananchi movement, warning leaders against turning its rallies into platforms for endorsing politicians outside the initiative and insisting that the group was formed to push a generational change agenda under Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Amisi said he was concerned that recent political activities surrounding the movement were beginning to shift its focus towards established opposition figures, particularly Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, as politicians and parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“I am extremely perplexed by leaders using the Sifuna rally in Homa Bay to endorse other leaders not part of the movement in front of Sifuna. This is not the idea why I started the movement,” Amisi said in a statement posted on his X account on Thursday.
His remarks came days after the Linda Mwananchi rally held in Homa Bay on August 16 as part of a nationwide mobilisation tour led by Sifuna and other politicians linked to the movement. The Homa Bay meeting had been presented as part of the group's wider civic engagement campaign across the country.
Linda Mwananchi has grown into a notable platform within Kenya's opposition politics, with Sifuna emerging as its leading face. Other politicians associated with the initiative include Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Amisi.
The movement's growing reach has, however, attracted politicians beyond its core group, raising questions over whether it could eventually become part of a wider opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 election.
Amisi, who leads the People’s Renaissance Movement (PM), rejected suggestions that Linda Mwananchi was created to promote Kalonzo's presidential ambitions. Kalonzo has been seeking support for his presidential bid through the Wiper Patriotic Front while also engaging other opposition groups ahead of the election.
“LM was not started to endorse Kalonzo. Kalonzo can however support Sifuna for presidency. This I will fight for it till the end,” he said.
The relationship between Kalonzo and Linda Mwananchi has increasingly become a subject of political debate. In March, the Wiper leader defended the large crowds attending Sifuna's rallies, describing the turnout in Mombasa as evidence of an organic movement largely driven by young people.
By June, reports indicated that Kalonzo's allies had become more involved in the political direction of Linda Mwananchi, adding another layer to discussions on how the movement could fit into plans for a united opposition presidential ticket in 2027.
Sifuna himself had earlier called for cooperation between Linda Mwananchi and the wider opposition in the effort to challenge President William Ruto. In February, he said opposition forces needed to approach the 2027 election as one political force.
There have also been efforts within the movement to bring established opposition figures behind Sifuna rather than have them take over the platform. Bungoma leaders Wanami Wamboka and Majimbo Kalasinga recently supported calls for Kalonzo, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to back Sifuna.
Amisi, however, drew a distinction between established leaders supporting Sifuna and using the Linda Mwananchi platform to promote another politician.
“Sisi ni Sifuna was an idea not even about Sifuna as a person; and Edwin Watenya Sifuna is the flagbearer of the idea. Period! Nobody else can fit in that idea unless you start another movement.”
He further warned against allowing political alliances to weaken what he described as the movement's original purpose, arguing that Linda Mwananchi should retain its own identity as politicians prepare for the next election.
“Let's stop the political conmanship around our generational fight for change. You did not understand the assignment. Bure Kabisa!” he said.
Amisi's comments have brought into sharper focus the growing debate over the future of Linda Mwananchi, with questions emerging over whether it will remain a separate movement built around generational change or become part of a wider opposition arrangement involving established political leaders.
With the 2027 General Election drawing closer, the contest over who controls the movement's political direction is likely to remain a key issue as opposition figures seek to build alliances, consolidate support and settle on a candidate to challenge President Ruto.