The Linda Mwananchi movement has endorsed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election. In a statement issued on September 27, 2026, the movement's leadership announced that they had agreed to move forward as a united political force, citing Kenyans' demand for better governance. Sifuna's endorsement comes after weeks of uncertainty over the political vehicle he would use in his presidential bid.
Sifuna is expected to unveil the party he will use to contest the presidency in early October. The endorsement comes after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya announced on September 24, 2026, that Sifuna would use the United Democratic Party (UDP). The UDP option emerged after a proposed attempt to rebrand the party as the Ukombozi People's Party failed.
The development provides Sifuna's camp with a clearer party vehicle ahead of the 2027 election. However, questions surrounding the Linda Mwananchi identity remain subject to a legal dispute. The movement has been involved in a dispute over the use of the Linda name after the Registrar of Political Parties rejected an application by Sifuna's allies to reserve the name "Linda Mwananchi Movement."
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has concluded hearings in a case challenging the Registrar's decision. The dispute involves Sifuna's faction and another group seeking registration under the Liberty National Democratic Alliance, commonly known as LINDA. The Tribunal is scheduled to deliver its decision on September 30, 2026.
Sifuna's endorsement also comes amid reported disagreements within the movement over its political direction and the party through which he should pursue his presidential ambitions. One of the political figures linked to the movement is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has established The Mwananchi Party while separately building his political base ahead of a possible bid for the Nairobi governorship.
Babu has publicly backed Sifuna's presidential ambitions and said he intends to concentrate on his Nairobi gubernatorial campaign. The movement has also faced competing proposals over its political vehicle. Before the UDP option emerged, Sifuna's allies had explored Ukombozi and other possible party arrangements.
The group also said it would seek cooperation with other political formations as it prepares for the 2027 election. "We will seek to build a coalition with like-minded parties that share our commitment to the people of Kenya," the statement said. Coalition-building is expected to form part of the next phase of Sifuna's political project.
Key points
- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been endorsed as the presidential candidate of the Linda Mwananchi movement.
- Sifuna is expected to unveil the party he will use to contest the presidency in early October.
- The Linda Mwananchi movement is involved in a legal dispute over the use of its name.
