Suba South MP Caroli emerge as peacemaker in Linda Mwananchi power struggle

Suba South Member of Parliament (MP) Caroli Omondi is emerging as a key behind-the-scenes figure in efforts to keep the Linda Mwananchi movement united as competing ambitions threaten to test its leadership ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Omondi, the movement’s spokesperson, has reportedly held discussions with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino in an effort to contain disagreements over the movement’s political direction and electoral vehicle.

His message, according to sources within the movement, has been straightforward: the leaders must remain together if Linda Mwananchi is to build a credible opposition force.

The intervention comes amid growing debate over who should lead the movement into the 2027 presidential contest and which political party should serve as its vehicle.

Omondi has publicly sought to clarify Linda Mwananchi’s position, saying the movement will nominate Sifuna as its presidential flagbearer before opening negotiations with other opposition formations on a possible grand coalition.

He has invoked the 2002 National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) model, arguing that opposition parties should eventually agree on a single presidential candidate rather than split their support among several contenders.

The strategy comes as Sifuna’s presidential ambitions face competition within Linda Mwananchi itself, with Orengo also seeking a role in determining the movement’s eventual flagbearer. Orengo has said he intends to engage Sifuna to resolve the question of who should lead the movement into the 2027 race.

Another pressure point is Babu’s Nairobi gubernatorial ambition.

The Embakasi East MP has denied falling out with Sifuna, insisting that he fully supports the senator’s presidential bid while pursuing his own campaign for Nairobi governor. He has nevertheless said he will scale down his participation in Linda Mwananchi rallies to concentrate on his Nairobi campaign.

Behind the public assurances, however, the question of the movement’s political vehicle remains contentious. Babu says he had registered his own party before Linda Mwananchi was formed, while other leaders have pushed the possibility of using Ukombozi People’s Party. The issue has become one of the main sticking points in attempts to maintain unity.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has also stepped into the reconciliation effort, holding a meeting with Babu as leaders sought to ease tensions. Osotsi subsequently played down reports of a split, insisting that the two sides could work together.