Linda Mwananchi leaders court Kalonzo in Machakos tour
Politics
By
Erastus Mulwa
| May 31, 2026
Linda Mwananchi leaders address a rally in Machakos town on May 31, 2026. [John Muia, Standard]
The Linda Mwananchi faction of ODM party on Sunday sent the clearest signal of the possibility of a strategic alliance with the United Opposition team ahead of next year’s General Election.
The team, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo insisted that Kenyans had only one common enemy in President William Ruto and declared they were willing to work with Wiper Patriotic Front party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka.
Kalonzo, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and former CSs, Eugine Wamalwa, Fred Matiang’I, Martha Karua and Justin Muturi are spearheading a parallel opposition movement christened the United Opposition.
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Although the Wiper party leader was curiously absent at the forum which climaxed into mega rallies in Mutituni and Machakos Town, he was represented by Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, Machakos Woman Representative Joyce Kamene and Matungulu MP, Stephen Mule.
The Mavoko MP, who has been consistently involved in Linda Mwananchi activities, has been touted as the faction’s point man in Ukambani region and the man who would play a critical role in negotiations with Kalonzo.
The leaders attended service at AIC Kyanda in Machakos Town constituency, where they hinted they were ready to work with Kalonzo, heaping praises on him as a true friend of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga and an undisputed national patriot.
“Kalonzo is a true patriot, I can say without fear of contradiction. He was a true friend of the late Raila Odinga and he (Raila) used to advise us to always associate with good people such as Kalonzo and I am sure we are capable of working together as one team to face President Ruto at the ballot,” said Orengo.
Echoing Orengo’s sentiments, Sifuna declared that either he or Kalonzo would comfortably deliver Ruto’s defeat and hand Kenyans a new opportunity to take back their country.
“As Linda Mwananchi, we will walk with like-minded leaders from across the country to give Kenyans a new leadership next year. Whether it will be Kalonzo or me, Ruto will have a zero chance of survival at the ballot,” said Sifuna.
And reacting to the leaders’ sentiments, Mbui, who is the Wiper Party national organising secretary, said he was acting under Kalonzo’s instructions to welcome the Linda Mwananchi team in Ukambani with a common message that they are all keen on ensuring President Ruto will be voted out in the next General Election.
MPs Babu Owino, Stephen Mule, Joyce Kamene and Senator Godfrey Otsosi asked Kenyans to reject leaders who support the Finance Bill 2026, terming it anti-poor.