Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has accused President William Ruto of fuelling reports of divisions within the Linda Mwananchi movement, ahead of the 2027 General Election. Osotsi dismissed claims that the movement was fractured, insisting that its leaders remained united behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's presidential ambitions. He made these remarks in Western Kenya on Saturday. According to Osotsi, the movement's leaders, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Sifuna, are speaking in one voice.
Osotsi claimed that any internal disagreements within the movement would be resolved. He added that the government was paying too much attention to the opposition outfit instead of addressing the challenges facing ordinary Kenyans. Osotsi urged President Ruto to focus on his work and Kenya Kwanza, stating that the government was failing in various areas. He also accused the government of attempting to interfere with the movement and create an impression that it was divided.
The senator emphasized that the movement was united, with Sifuna as its presidential candidate. He revealed that the movement was in the process of establishing a political vehicle that Sifuna would use to contest the presidency. Osotsi stated that they had a party and would soon announce it. He also appealed to leaders from Western Kenya to support younger politicians, arguing that the region had waited long enough for one of its own to seek the country's top seat.
Osotsi's remarks come days after reports emerged of disagreements within Linda Mwananchi over leadership, political parties, and the movement's direction ahead of the 2027 election. While Embakasi East MP Babu Owino dismissed claims of a fallout and maintained that the outfit remains united behind its goals, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka acknowledged internal tensions.
Onyonka attributed the internal tensions to mistrust, competing ambitions, and the fact that several principals have registered their own political parties. He stated that leaders had held behind-the-scenes meetings involving figures including Sifuna, Babu, James Orengo, and Osotsi to manage the disagreements. Onyonka maintained that the movement would remain intact despite the differences.
Osotsi also urged the youth to be allowed to take a leading role in shaping the region's political future. He stated that the region had waited for many years and knew Sifuna was their person. The senator's comments are likely to have significant implications for the 2027 General Election.
The developments within the Linda Mwananchi movement come as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election. Key stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the movement's leadership dynamics unfold.
Key points
- Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi accuses President William Ruto of fuelling reports of divisions within the Linda Mwananchi movement.
- Osotsi dismisses claims of a rift within the movement, saying leaders are united behind Edwin Sifuna's presidential ambitions.
- The movement is establishing a political vehicle for Sifuna's presidential bid.
