Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Thika Cathedral,
several Linda Mwananchi leaders signalled growing convergence between the two
formations, framing unity as the only viable path to unseat President William
Ruto.
The remarks come amid ongoing negotiations among opposition
leaders seeking to build a formidable coalition capable of mounting a serious
challenge against Ruto in 2027.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, one of the key figures in the
Linda Mwananchi movement, urged opposition supporters to focus on building a
credible vehicle for political change rather than prematurely rallying behind
individual candidates.
“The journey we are starting in Thika today, what I am
pleading with you is that we should not repeat the mistakes we have made
before,” Orengo said.
“Kenya needs a movement for change. But this business of
saying we want this one or that one without building a vehicle for change is a
mistake. Linda Mwananchi is being accepted across the entire republic because
people are looking for a vehicle for change.”
The movement, which initially emerged as a platform
associated with a section of ODM leaders, has in recent months expanded its
reach and increasingly positioned itself as a national opposition force.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata is the latest entrant in
the Linda Mwananchi camp.
Orengo also extended an olive branch to leaders within the
united opposition alliance, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,
whose Democracy for the Citizens Party has become a key pillar of the anti-Ruto
political movement.
“I want to thank former President Uhuru Kenyatta for
supporting and praying for Raila Odinga to be president. I also want to thank
the leaders of the united opposition, including those from this area, and I
dare say even Gachagua. He used to be my client. We want to move together. Are
we going to move together?” Orengo posed to the congregation.
His remarks were interpreted as one of the clearest
indications yet that leaders within Linda Mwananchi are prepared to work
alongside the united opposition despite concerns that have occasionally
surfaced over leadership and the structure of a future coalition.
Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi echoed the unity message
while warning that efforts were underway to create divisions within the opposition
ranks.
He urged the church and supporters to pray for opposition
leaders, saying external forces were attempting to weaken the growing movement
through political intrigues and divisions.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has declared interest in
the Nairobi governor's seat, was even more direct, stating that the two camps
would ultimately merge their political efforts.
“Linda Mwananchi and the opposition will join hands because
we have to unite to remove Ruto from office,” Babu said.
The event also highlighted the growing engagement between
Linda Mwananchi and leaders allied to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, one
of the principal figures in the opposition alliance.
Among those present were Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo and
political analyst Tony Gachoka, both regarded as close allies of Kalonzo.
Their attendance added to speculation that discussions on
opposition unity are gaining traction behind the scenes as leaders seek to
avoid fragmentation ahead of the next election.
Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga also embraced the unity
narrative, employing the now-popular "Wantam" slogan associated with
anti-government mobilisation.
“As we are speaking, Gachagua is in Chwele looking for votes
and preaching the Wantam slogan. And I am here in Thika saying Wantam,”
Kalasinga said.
“Let me tell you, Bishop, when Gachagua’s wire connects with
Linda Mwananchi’s wire, someone will be struck by an electric shock at State
House.”
At the same time, Kalonzo campaigned for Kalasinga’s
re-election, saying he has represented and defended his people in Parliament.
“When I met your MP, I placed my hands on his head and
blessed him. He has always stood by his people, including rejecting the Finance
Bill,” Kalonzo said.
The remarks on Sunday reflect the growing confidence among
opposition leaders that a united front could significantly alter the country's
political landscape.
In recent months, both Linda Mwananchi and the united opposition
have repeatedly said that removing Ruto from power will require a broad
coalition bringing together diverse political interests.
Speaking during the funeral of the mother of EALA MP Kanini
Kega last month, Gachagua declared that the united opposition would work with
“those young men”, alluding to Linda Mwananchi.
While questions remain over the eventual presidential ticket
and power-sharing arrangements, Sunday’s declarations suggest opposition
leaders are increasingly focused on building consensus before settling on
individual ambitions.
