Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has unveiled a team of politicians, elected leaders, and professionals to lead his presidential campaign under the Linda Mwananchi Movement. With less than a year to the August 2027 polls, Sifuna faces the challenge of transforming the outfit into a national political organisation. The leadership team brings together politicians from different parties, regions, and backgrounds. Governor George Natembeya will coordinate the presidential campaign, while Sifuna will serve as party leader-designate and presidential candidate.
Governor George Natembeya, a former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, has been appointed to coordinate the presidential campaign. He resigned from government in 2022 to contest the Trans Nzoia governorship on a DAP-K ticket and won with 158,919 votes. Natembeya has established himself as a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration and has built the Tawe Movement in Western Kenya. He will be expected to establish structures across all 47 counties, coordinate regional campaign teams, and manage alliances.
Faith Odhiambo, a former Law Society of Kenya president, has been appointed as Natembeya's deputy. She brings legal and governance credentials, having represented victims of police brutality and abductions. Her appointment could reinforce Sifuna's emphasis on constitutionalism, human rights, and the rule of law. However, translating her professional networks into electoral mobilisation will be a different undertaking.
The Linda Mwananchi Movement has also appointed other deputy party leader-designates, including former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, who offers a recognisable political brand in Mt Kenya East. Mavoko MP Patrick Makau brings more than a decade of elective experience, having represented the constituency since 2013. The fourth deputy party leader position has been reserved for the Coast, signalling the movement's intention to accommodate the region in its national structure.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has been appointed secretary general, placing him at the heart of the party's machinery. He served as Chief of Staff in Raila Odinga's Office of the Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013. Pauline Njoroge will deputise Omondi and head communications, bringing experience in political communications and digital mobilisation.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has been appointed treasurer, bringing parliamentary and government experience. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has been assigned the political affairs and campaigns portfolio, giving the movement an experienced political voice in Western Kenya. The movement has also established a National Elections Board headed by Barbara Malowa.
The Linda Mwananchi Movement plans to establish offices in all 47 counties by December and hold a National Delegates Convention on November 13 to ratify the proposed leadership. The team will work to mobilise voters and establish a strong presence across the country. Sifuna's experience as ODM secretary general and Nairobi senator gives him an understanding of party administration and national mobilisation.
Key points
- Governor George Natembeya to coordinate the presidential campaign
- Faith Odhiambo appointed as Natembeya's deputy
- The movement plans to establish offices in all 47 counties by December
