Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has revealed that the opposition-linked Linda Mwananchi movement is seriously considering fielding a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, signaling a possible shift from a civic movement into a formidable political force.
Speaking during a television interview on Tuesday, Sifuna said discussions were underway within the movement on whether to present a candidate capable of offering Kenyans an alternative to the current political establishment.
"I think the straight answer is that as Linda Mwananchi, we are very, very strongly considering the prospect of running a presidential candidate," Sifuna said.
He attributed the growing calls for the movement to field a candidate to public demand, saying many Kenyans had expressed confidence in the movement's leadership and vision.
"It is coming from the people themselves. They are asking us because there are things that they see that we represent," he said.
Although he stopped short of declaring his own candidacy, Sifuna said he would not dismiss the possibility if he was chosen by Kenyans to lead.
"I won't say no if Kenyans ask me to run for the presidency in 2027," he said, adding that any decision on the movement's flag bearer would be made collectively rather than through personal ambition.
The Nairobi Senator also spoke about the deepening divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), claiming leaders opposed to the party's cooperation with President William Ruto's administration were increasingly being sidelined.
Sifuna disclosed that he and several like-minded leaders had been removed from an official ODM WhatsApp group, describing the move as evidence of growing intolerance for dissent within the party.
"It's them who are kicking us out," he said.
He further alleged that there were plans to remove him and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi from key Senate committee leadership positions because of their political stance.
The remarks underscore the widening rift within ODM, where differing views have emerged following the party's engagement with President Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration. While some party leaders have supported cooperation with the government, others have maintained that ODM should remain firmly in the opposition.
Growing political movement
Linda Mwananchi has in recent months emerged as a platform bringing together opposition leaders, civil society actors and citizens advocating governance reforms, accountability and constitutionalism. The movement has held public rallies and consultative meetings across the country, positioning itself as an alternative voice ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna's comments are the clearest indication yet that the movement is contemplating a direct entry into electoral politics by sponsoring candidates for the country's top office.
Political analysts say such a move could significantly reshape the opposition landscape, particularly if Linda Mwananchi attracts support from parties and leaders dissatisfied with existing political formations.
Sifuna has been one of the most vocal critics of the broad-based political arrangement between sections of ODM and President Ruto's administration. He has repeatedly insisted that the party should maintain its oversight role rather than align itself with the government.
His latest remarks come amid heightened political activity as parties begin positioning themselves for the August 10, 2027 General Election. Opposition leaders have intensified consultations on possible coalitions, while the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance continues to consolidate support across the country.
