On October 30, 2026, Edwin Sifuna, leader of the Linda Mwananchi Movement Party, expressed disappointment in President William Ruto's recent announcement. Sifuna stated that Kenyans had anticipated a plan to repatriate over 1,000 citizens stranded in Russia, but instead, Ruto unveiled a friendly football match between Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam. This announcement came after Ruto attended the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
The President's announcement had raised expectations among Kenyans concerned about citizens who have reportedly been recruited to fight in Russia's war against Ukraine. Some of these citizens are now said to be in detention. Sifuna vowed that if elected President in 2027, his government would bring home all Kenyans stranded abroad, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. He assured Kenyans that he would personally ensure their safe return.
Sifuna made these statements during the rebranding of The Equitable Party to Linda Mwananchi. The event took place at the party's new offices in Lavington, Nairobi, and was attended by several prominent leaders. These leaders included Democracy for Citizens party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa.
During his address, Sifuna outlined his plans if elected President. He promised to abolish taxes on fuel and electricity and scrap the housing levy. Sifuna also stated that he would cut wastage in government, citing the Kenya Kwanza government's increased budgetary allocation for State House and the Presidency. He claimed that his government would cut Sh500 billion from the budget and return the money to Kenyans.
Sifuna also addressed the issue of persistent strikes by public-sector workers. He stated that his government would deal with these strikes, which are often over collective bargaining agreements. Sifuna claimed that these agreements could be funded using the savings from cutting government wastage. He assured Kenyans that his party has a comprehensive plan to address these issues.
Other leaders at the event expressed their support for Sifuna's presidential bid. Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka stated that they would back Sifuna if he was named the United Opposition flag bearer. Gachagua even offered to lead Sifuna's presidential campaign. Musyoka expressed confidence that Sifuna could become the sixth president of Kenya.
The Linda Mwananchi party plans to host a National Delegates Conference on November 13, 2026. Kalonzo Musyoka requested an invitation to the event. The party's rebranding and Sifuna's presidential bid have generated significant interest in Kenyan politics.
Key points
- Edwin Sifuna criticizes President William Ruto's announcement, saying Kenyans expected a rescue plan for citizens stranded in Russia.
- Sifuna promises to abolish taxes on fuel and electricity and scrap the housing levy if elected President.
- Sifuna vows to bring home all Kenyans stranded abroad if elected President in 2027.
