Sifuna Plans October Launch of New Political Party
He also said the group was exploring the formation of a broader Linda Mwananchi coalition involving several opposition parties.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his allies are preparing to unveil a new political party in October as part of efforts to establish an alternative platform ahead of the 2027 General Election. Photo: Eastleigh Voice.
By Robert Mutasi
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is expected to unveil a new political party in October as he and his allies prepare a fresh political platform ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The planned launch is being spearheaded by members of the Linda Mwananchi movement, who say they are working to establish a political vehicle that will accommodate Sifuna and other leaders seeking an alternative platform.
Titus Makhanu, the movement’s deputy spokesperson, said the new party would be unveiled next month. He also said the group was exploring the formation of a broader Linda Mwananchi coalition involving several opposition parties.
Makhanu urged opposition parties to consider joining the proposed coalition as political groups position themselves for the 2027 elections.
The planned party comes as Sifuna and his allies seek to resolve questions surrounding the registration of Linda Mwananchi as a political party.
The movement has been linked to Sifuna’s growing political activities outside the Orange Democratic Movement, where he serves as secretary-general.
Sifuna has in recent months stepped up mobilisation under the Linda Mwananchi banner while signalling his intention to pursue a presidential bid in 2027.
The Nairobi senator has previously said he needs an electoral vehicle through which he can pursue his political ambitions, although the exact party he intends to use has not been formally confirmed.
Several reports have linked his team to existing political parties as negotiations over a possible political vehicle continue.
The Star reported that Sifuna’s allies were considering the Ukombozi Party, although leaders associated with the movement had not publicly confirmed the arrangement.
The Registrar of Political Parties has also rejected an application to rename the United Democratic Party as Ukombozi People’s Party, citing similarities with another reserved party name.
The dispute has added uncertainty over the identity and branding of the political vehicle that Sifuna’s team may eventually adopt.
The October launch is expected to provide clarity on the matter.
The political developments come as parties prepare for statutory requirements ahead of the 2027 election. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has set deadlines for political parties to submit information relating to their officials, nomination rules and other electoral requirements.
Sifuna’s planned political move also comes amid growing efforts by opposition leaders to build alliances ahead of the next election.
The proposed Linda Mwananchi coalition would seek to bring together different political parties under a common platform while allowing individual parties to retain their identities.
Makhanu said the coalition would provide an avenue for opposition parties to work together as the country approaches the election.
Sifuna has previously maintained that his political mobilisation is aimed at giving Kenyans an alternative political platform.
His move has also attracted attention within the ODM, where his position as secretary-general has come under scrutiny amid his growing association with Linda Mwananchi.
The senator has continued to engage supporters and political leaders as he builds his political network.
The identity of the new party, its leadership structure and the extent of its proposed alliance with other opposition parties are expected to become clearer when the planned October launch takes place.
With the 2027 election approaching, the development adds another layer to the ongoing reorganisation of Kenya’s political parties and alliances.
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