The Linda Mwananchi movement is expected to play a central role in the opposition’s process of selecting a presidential candidate, with the possibility of also naming a running mate being discussed.
The Eastleigh Voice has learned that meetings have already been arranged between the principals of the Linda Mwananchi movement and opposition leaders to build unity and identify a strong candidate to challenge President William Ruto.
In a parallel effort to expand its national reach, the Edwin Sifuna-led faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is set to take its mobilisation campaign to the Gusii region on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The tour will cover Kisii and Nyamira counties, which have increasingly emerged as key political battlegrounds in the country.
The visit comes amid renewed opposition calls for unity and follows a series of mobilisation rallies in Kitengela, Kisumu, Mombasa, Thika and Machakos, where the movement has been working to consolidate support ahead of the next election cycle.
The opposition’s renewed focus on Gusii is particularly significant. For years, the broader region was considered an ODM stronghold, while President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) also retained pockets of influence.
However, the political dynamics have shifted markedly following the emergence of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as a prominent opposition figure.
Matiang’i, who has already received backing from the Jubilee Party as its preferred presidential candidate for 2027, has steadily consolidated support in his home region.
His growing influence has elevated Gusii into a critical factor in ongoing discussions around a unified opposition coalition.
Recent political developments have reinforced this perception. In November 2025, candidates allied to Matiang’i swept all three by-elections in Nyamaiya, Nyansiongo and Ekerenyo wards in Nyamira County, a result that unsettled both ODM and UDA camps.
Since then, several elected leaders, including MPs Patrick Osero, Anthony Kibagendi, Obadia Barongo and Clive Gisairo, have publicly aligned themselves with Matiang’i, further strengthening his regional influence.
The Gusii tour comes at a time when opposition leaders are increasingly pushing for a united front against President Ruto.
Speaking during the burial service of the late Ann Nyatoro, the mother of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna urged opposition leaders to put aside their differences and rally behind a single presidential candidate.
“Mheshimiwa Riggy G, let me tell you. We are convinced that there is no other formula. Before God, there is no other formula other than a united ticket against William Ruto,” Sifuna said.
He argued that divisions within the opposition would only strengthen the incumbent’s re-election bid.
Sifuna further called for reconciliation among opposition leaders in pursuit of a shared political objective.
“So, whatever needs to be done, kama ni kusameheana, wacha basi tusameheane tu. Lakini haiwezekani tumpatie huyu ndugu yetu nafasi yeye aweze kurudi kwenye hiyo kiti aendelee kukandamiza wananchi wetu,” he said.
His remarks have fuelled speculation about possible coalition arrangements involving Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Matiang’i and other political actors.
Adding to the momentum, a recent Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) survey indicated growing support for opposition unity.
The poll showed that 28 per cent of opposition supporters preferred a Kalonzo Musyoka–Edwin Sifuna presidential ticket, making it the most popular pairing among respondents. A Rigathi Gachagua–Kalonzo Musyoka ticket followed closely with 25 per cent support.
The Linda Mwananchi tour is part of a broader opposition strategy aimed at consolidating regional bases before entering national power-sharing negotiations.
Former Deputy President Gachagua recently outlined this approach during the United Alternative Government tour.
“Mobilisation for bargaining edge must start with each principal’s base. Elaborate consultations in Mt Kenya led to the formation of DCP,” Gachagua said.
“It is only through a strong home base that one can negotiate presidential ambitions effectively. Mt Kenya is a unique voting bloc with interests only understood by its sons and daughters.”
Gachagua has previously emphasised the importance of Matiang’i first consolidating respect in his home region before pursuing broader national support.
“Mimi nataka tukubaliane; ndio mimi niende nitembeze Matiang’i Mlimani aende akutane na his cousin. Ndiyo watu wa Mlima wamuheshimu, lazima aheshimike hapa nyumbani. Sitaki mkubali watoto wadogo wakuje watusi Matiang’i,” he said.
The growing opposition activity in Gusii presents a fresh challenge for President Ruto and his allies. While UDA leaders remain publicly confident, concerns persist over shifting loyalties in the region.
South Mugirango MP and People’s Democratic Party leader Omingo Magara recently argued that Gusii is increasingly aligning behind Matiang’i.
“I was telling them, Kisii is locked. Please believe us. But there were too many noisemakers out there. They kept shouting because they were eating at the table,” Magara said.
Meanwhile, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, alongside Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro, has intensified efforts to rally support for President Ruto’s re-election bid.
“We must speak with one voice as a region. Our strength lies in unity and in aligning ourselves with a leadership that can deliver tangible development,” Arati said.
“Politics is dynamic, but unity is constant. In the end, we will all move in the same direction for the good of our people,” he added.
Despite these efforts, recent opposition rallies in the region have continued to attract sizeable crowds, signalling growing enthusiasm for alternative political formations.
As the Linda Mwananchi caravan heads to Kisii and Nyamira, the tour will serve as a key test of Matiang’i’s regional influence and the opposition’s ability to forge a united movement.
If current trends continue, Gusii could emerge as one of the most decisive voting blocs in shaping Kenya’s political direction ahead of 2027.
The Gusii tour plans also come after Matiang’i held a meeting with the Linda Mwananchi team, including Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili (Babu Owino), Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Siaya Governor James Orengo, among other leaders.
The meeting has fuelled political speculation following reports of discussions involving early realignments between the United Alternative Government and Linda Mwananchi factions ahead of the 2027 elections.
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