Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has accused the State of using individuals within the Linda Mwananchi Movement to frustrate its political ambitions. He made these allegations during the burial of Eunice Nyangari, the elder sister of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in Nyeri. Sifuna claimed that the alleged interference became evident during preparations for the party's National Delegates Conference (NDC), which faced legal challenges from members seeking to stop the meeting.
Sifuna questioned how individuals who had recently joined the party could move to block a conference whose preparations had been undertaken over time. He suggested that the legal challenges were part of a wider scheme to undermine the movement, which he said had unsettled its political opponents. Sifuna stated that the group had already overcome several hurdles since embarking on its political journey and would not be intimidated by further obstacles.
The senator signalled his intention to expand the movement's political support into the Mt Kenya region. He expressed confidence that Linda Mwananchi could appeal to voters beyond its traditional political base. Sifuna used an analogy, likening Linda Mwananchi's appeal to the combination of sugar and coffee, to signal his interest in engaging voters in the region and building political alliances.
Sifuna defended the leadership arrangements announced by the movement, saying he had taken responsibility for establishing party structures when the outfit was still being built. He complained that some individuals had begun challenging the proposed positions and appointments even after the leadership arrangements had been announced.
The Linda Mwananchi Movement held its NDC on Friday, November 13, despite legal attempts by some members to stop the meeting. The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal declined to halt the conference, allowing it to proceed. A separate challenge was subsequently filed at the High Court, but the court declined to issue interim orders stopping the meeting.
Delegates at the conference approved proposals to change The Equitable Party's name to Linda Mwananchi Movement, alongside amendments to its constitution, colours, symbol and headquarters. The conference also authorised the party to pursue coalition-building talks with like-minded political formations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna's allegations of State interference and the party's determination to overcome obstacles suggest that Linda Mwananchi Movement is poised to make a significant impact in the region. The party's efforts to build alliances and expand its support base will likely be closely watched in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election.
Key points
- Linda Mwananchi Movement's National Delegates Conference proceeded despite legal challenges from some members.
