Linda Mwananchi backs Sifuna for 2027 as Orengo misses key retreat

Linda Mwananchi has formally endorsed Nairobi Senator Edwin Watenya Sifuna as its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, seeking to close weeks of speculation over leadership differences within the opposition movement.

The decision was reached during a leadership retreat on Saturday, September 26, 2026 where the movement’s principals resolved to move forward under Sifuna’s leadership and work towards building a broader coalition of like-minded parties.

However, the endorsement came in the absence of Siaya Governor James Orengo, who had previously declared interest in the movement’s presidential ticket and called for a credible nomination process to determine its flag bearer.

Members of the movement said Orengo had sent his apologies because he was attending to a sick family member, insisting that his absence should not be interpreted as evidence of a split.

Orengo and Sifuna had in recent weeks publicly pledged to work together towards producing a single opposition presidential candidate.

In a statement issued after the retreat, Linda Mwananchi said its leaders had agreed to remain united around what they described as a common purpose of responding to Kenyans’ demand for better governance.

The movement declared Sifuna its leader and presidential candidate and said he would lead the unveiling of the political party through which he intends to contest the presidency in early October.

The movement also resolved to pursue a coalition with parties sharing its stated political objectives.

Among the other resolutions, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is to be backed for the Nairobi governorship on the Mwananchi Party ticket, while former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza is to contest through her Umoja na Maendeleo Party.

The retreat was attended by several opposition figures, including Babu Owino, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.

Babu said the meeting was aimed at consolidating the movement’s political bases and strengthening cooperation among its principals.

The Sifuna endorsement now comes as Orengo takes on a wider role in the opposition landscape. Following the reorganisation of the former Azimio coalition as the Ukombozi Alliance, Orengo replaced retired President Uhuru Kenyatta as chairman of the coalition’s council.

His new position adds another layer to the emerging opposition realignment, although there has been no public statement from Orengo indicating that he has abandoned Linda Mwananchi or his earlier presidential ambitions.

The political parties involved must also meet statutory requirements ahead of the election, including submitting details of authorised officials and specimen signatures to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties within the prescribed timelines.