Linda Mwananchi Movement Declares 2027 Presidential Bid During Vihiga Rally

The ODM party’s Linda Mwananchi faction has declared that it will field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.

The leaders announced rallies held in Vihiga County, where they also called for unity between the Luo and Luhya communities ahead of the next election.

Among the leaders present were Siaya Governor James Orengo, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi.

During the rallies, the leaders strongly criticised President William Ruto’s government, accusing it of failing to fulfil promises made to Kenyans during the 2022 campaigns.

Speaking at Shamakhokho in Vihiga, Senator Osotsi said the Linda Mwananchi movement is ready to form the next government.

“Linda Mwananchi will form the next government, and the sixth president will come from this movement,” Osotsi said.

Osotsi also spoke about the recent attack he faced in Kisumu, claiming that the incident was politically motivated.

He alleged that he had been targeted because he refused to support President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.

“We will continue with the one-term campaign against the President,” he said.

The Vihiga senator further claimed that he had been pressured by some party officials to replace Edwin Sifuna as ODM Secretary General, but he refused.

“They offered me the Secretary General position, but I refused because I could not betray Sifuna,” Osotsi said.

Edwin Sifuna, while addressing supporters in Luanda, insisted that ODM still has capable leaders who can contest for the presidency in 2027.

“Who said ODM will not field a presidential candidate? We have many capable leaders here,” Sifuna said.

Sifuna also condemned the attack on Osotsi and said the faction would not be intimidated.

“We will not be silenced and we will not fear,” he told supporters.

Siaya Governor James Orengo said the Linda Mwananchi movement has grown into one of the biggest political movements in the country.

According to Orengo, the movement must be represented on the 2027 ballot.

“Linda Mwananchi is currently the biggest movement and must produce a presidential candidate,” Orengo said.

He also dismissed attempts to divide the Luo and Luhya communities, saying the two communities have always lived and worked together peacefully.

“Luos and Luhyas are one and cannot be divided by politics,” he said.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also condemned the attack on Osotsi, saying those involved were criminals and not representatives of the Luo community.

He called for the arrest of those responsible.

Babu Owino further said many Kenyans are struggling with the high cost of living, lack of jobs, and school fees challenges.

“People have no jobs, no money for rent, food, or school fees. Kenyans cannot continue suffering,” he said.

Caleb Amisi urged the people of Vihiga to continue supporting youthful leaders, saying the movement wants to continue the political journey started by Raila Odinga.

The leaders also warned the youth against being used by politicians for violence.

“Do not allow yourself to be paid to attack fellow Kenyans,” Babu Owino warned.

The Linda Mwananchi team is expected to continue its rallies in Kisumu, where it plans to attend a church service before addressing supporters at Owuoro grounds.

However, tension remains high after some pro-government supporters threatened to block the planned rally.