Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, a pioneer figure in Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi movement, has publicly aligned himself with Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang'i. Gisairo shared a podium with Matiang'i at a funeral in Esise Ward, signalling a shift in his political support. This move raises questions about the cohesion of Linda Mwananchi ahead of the 2027 general election. Gisairo had previously urged the Abagusii community to unite behind Matiang'i's presidential bid.
Gisairo's shift in focus comes after he posted on Facebook that he joined Matiang'i at Ensoko Grounds in Esise Ward for the funeral of John Mboga Nyaboga, a community leader. He described Nyaboga's legacy as one of "remarkable service and dedication" that would inspire generations. A week prior, Gisairo had written that the Abagusii community must support Matiang'i, adding that unity would lead to success. While Gisairo's posts do not formally withdraw from Linda Mwananchi, they mark a clear shift in his focus.
Gisairo was among the MPs listed on the Linda Mwananchi team and was expected to attend Sifuna's Kitengela rally alongside other MPs. However, he has now joined other Gusii legislators backing Matiang'i's presidential bid, including Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo, and Borabu MP Patrick Osero. The Gusii region is Matiang'i's home territory, and the movement of its MPs matters for opposition arithmetic.
The Gusii Council of Elders named Matiang'i its chief spokesperson in February. A fragmented Gusii base could diminish his bargaining weight in negotiations over a single opposition flagbearer. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has emphasized the importance of bringing together communities, including the Kisii, Kuria, Luhya, Luo, and Teso, to strengthen the opposition's overall hand.
Gisairo is not the first early supporter to drift from the Linda Mwananchi movement. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi launched the People's Renaissance Movement, citing that Linda Mwananchi had deviated from its founding purpose. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino subsequently unveiled The Mwananchi Party, insisting that the move represented no falling out with Sifuna.
The departures of Gisairo and Kibagendi, both of whom encouraged Sifuna to enter the presidential race, remove two Gusii voices from his coalition. This comes at a moment when Sifuna is seeking to build national breadth. A recent Swiss Poll International survey placed Sifuna at 15% of overall presidential preference, with Matiang'i at 6% and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro at 4%.
Neither Sifuna nor Matiang'i had commented publicly on Gisairo's latest posts at the time of this report. The shift in Gisairo's support may have implications for the 2027 general election, particularly in the Gusii region. As the opposition continues to take shape, the movements of key MPs like Gisairo will be closely watched.
Key points
- Clive Gisairo, a pioneer figure in Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi movement, has publicly aligned himself with Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang'i.
- Gisairo's shift in focus raises questions about the cohesion of Linda Mwananchi ahead of the 2027 general election.
- The Gusii region is Matiang'i's home territory, and the movement of its MPs matters for opposition arithmetic.
