Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale believes that social media is exaggerating the political wrangles surrounding the Linda Mwananchi movement. He thinks that these differences should not be allowed to derail efforts to build a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 election. Khalwale made these remarks in an interview with The Star, where he discussed Edwin Sifuna's presidential ambitions and the search for a coalition vehicle.
Khalwale expressed his views on the alleged fallout between Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino. He thinks that Babu is either overreacting on social media or has panicked because his ambition is under threat. According to Khalwale, the Linda Mwananchi movement is owned mainly by the younger generation of voters who created the vibe and force around it and identified Sifuna as a leader.
The senator advised Babu Owino to remain a member of Linda Mwananchi if he wants to win in Nairobi. He believes that if Babu attempts an experiment outside Linda Mwananchi, his campaign becomes harder, and the possibility of losing becomes more probable. Khalwale suggested that Babu should learn to deal with his emotions and ego in politics.
Khalwale discussed the possibility of bringing various parties associated with the opposition together under one umbrella. He stated that the existence of a party is not based on what a leader says but on whether it is registered by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. Khalwale views the existence of multiple parties allegedly associated with Linda Mwananchi leaders as a good thing.
According to Khalwale, the government has panicked that if Linda Mwananchi is allowed to formalize, it presents a real threat to its electoral ambitions. He noted that President William Ruto is also working with a collection of parties, and eventually, they will form a coalition. Khalwale believes that the parties on the opposition side can also form a coalition.
Khalwale addressed the issue of Edwin Sifuna not having a registered political party. He thinks that this could be an advantage, as Sifuna could be the most acceptable coalition flagbearer without being tied to a specific party. Khalwale suggested that if Sifuna becomes president, he will govern using MPs from the constituent parties of the coalition that he leads.
Finally, Khalwale expressed his support for Sifuna's presidential ambitions and dismissed the idea that any community in Kenya votes 100 percent one way. He noted that even if Sifuna does not get 100 percent of the Luhya votes, it will not mean that the community has rejected him. Khalwale emphasized that democracy allows for different opinions and voting patterns.
Key points
- Khalwale believes that Edwin Sifuna's presidential ambitions are not threatened by party differences.
- The senator advises Babu Owino to remain a member of Linda Mwananchi to increase his chances of winning in Nairobi.
- Khalwale views the existence of multiple parties allegedly associated with Linda Mwananchi leaders as a good thing.
