Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has left open the possibility of vying for the presidency in the 2027 General Election, saying he would not turn down the opportunity if it emerged from a collective decision by Kenyans.
Speaking on Citizen TV's The Explainer on Tuesday night, the Nairobi senator said the Linda Mwananchi movement was seriously considering fielding a presidential candidate but stressed that the decision would be guided by public consultations rather than personal ambition.
"If the people feel that this is the best way for us to proceed, we will not say no. We will proceed with the people," Sifuna said.
He said the movement had gained momentum after months of engagements with wananchi across the country and was responding to growing calls for an alternative political direction.
According to Sifuna, Linda Mwananchi has so far visited 16 counties as it seeks to gauge public opinion before making key political decisions ahead of the 2027 polls.
"We are very strongly considering the prospect of running a presidential candidate. That is something that is clear. It's coming from the people themselves. They are asking us because there are things they see that we represent," he said.
The senator maintained that the choice of who would carry the movement's presidential flag would not rest with him alone, insisting that any decision must be collectively owned by supporters.
"I don't make unilateral decisions. That decision has to be made together with the people so that it is a decision that is owned by everyone and not just Sifuna," he said.
Sifuna attributed the movement's growth to support from young people, online supporters and Bunge la Mwananchi forums, saying continued consultations would shape its political roadmap.
"I have gotten to this place because of all the support that we've gotten from young people, those online, the Bunge la Mwananchi forums and supporters across the country. We will make that decision together," he said.
While stopping short of declaring his candidature, Sifuna said he had never avoided taking up responsibility when called upon.
"I am not one to run away from responsibility. If the people feel this is the best way for us to proceed, we will not say no," he said.
He added that the reception the movement was receiving during its nationwide engagements reflected growing public demand for a different style of leadership.
"There is a general yearning in the country for things to be done differently. People are telling us they want to see a different country and believe the Linda Mwananchi team can deliver that change," Sifuna said.
However, he noted that the movement still needed more time to assess the strength of its support before making a final decision on its presidential candidate.
"It is not easy to run a presidential campaign. We have not even done 20 counties. We need to ascertain that the support is solid," he said.
Sifuna also disclosed that Linda Mwananchi was preparing to evolve into a more structured political outfit capable of fielding candidates for all elective positions, including Member of County Assembly, Member of Parliament, senator, governor and president.
"Our responsibility now is to get organised so that everybody knows how to plug in, whether they want to volunteer, donate or run for office," he said.
He added that the movement was attracting members from different political parties and that discussions on its political future would continue as preparations for the 2027 General Election gathered pace.