Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale has disclosed the internal dynamics of a Linda Mwananchi retreat, revealing that Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna was unanimously elected as the movement's leader. The retreat, which aimed to address the opposition movement's leadership and party affiliation, saw two senior figures, Babu Owino and George Natembeya, decline to follow the majority decision on party arrangements. Khalwale stated that the movement had been leaderless and required clarity on leadership and political party affiliation.
According to Khalwale, the retreat resolved the leadership question with full agreement, naming Edwin Sifuna as the movement's leader. He stated that there was no dissenting voice on this proposal, which was unanimously adopted. However, the party question proved more contentious, with many members already holding affiliations to existing parties. Khalwale cited himself, former Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza, Governor George Natembeya, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as examples of members with existing party ties.
Khalwale explained that the only members without existing party ties were former ODM figures led by Sifuna. Babu Owino and George Natembeya argued in favor of retaining their own parties rather than adopting the movement's chosen vehicle. Natembeya pressed for the United Democratic Party, while Babu defended his newly formed Mwananchi Party. Khalwale noted that Babu Owino had initially seemed opposed to the movement's party plans but later defended his party and persuaded the rest of the members to allow him to maintain his independence.
Despite the split, Khalwale emphasized that no one had been shut out of the movement. The retreat's fourth resolution provided that the chosen party would open discussions with like-minded parties, with the aim of forming a coalition. Khalwale stated that the most like-minded parties they would start with would be Babu's party, Natembeya's party, and then they would discuss a coalition. He added that there was no contradiction and no door had been locked to anybody.
Khalwale also mentioned Senator James Orengo's absence from the meeting, recalling that Senator Godfrey Osotsi relayed Orengo's preference for a movement party rather than a coalition. Additionally, Khalwale invoked the events of June 25, 2024, cautioning the movement against alienating its youth supporters. He stated that when Members of Parliament offended the youth in 2024, it almost killed the movement, and they did not want to offend anybody.
In related news, Babu Owino released a detailed account of how the Muungano Party became The Mwananchi Party. Official correspondence showed that the name change took effect on September 10, 2026, after an objection was withdrawn. The registration had drawn criticism from Sifuna's allies, who say it blocked efforts to establish the Linda Mwananchi Movement as a separate party.
The dispute has also intensified calls for Babu to surrender the party as he pursues the Nairobi governorship. Khalwale's disclosure provides insight into the internal dynamics of the Linda Mwananchi movement and the challenges it faces in uniting its members under a single party. The movement's ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in its future success.
Key points
- Edwin Sifuna was unanimously elected as the leader of the Linda Mwananchi movement during the retreat.
- Babu Owino and George Natembeya declined to follow the majority decision on party arrangements.
- The movement's chosen party will open discussions with like-minded parties to form a coalition.
