Saboti MP Amisi claims Raila backed formation of parallel opposition outfits

Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) and party leader of the People’s Renaissance Movement (PM) Caleb Amisi has claimed he was among the founding figures of Linda Mwananchi and that the late ODM leader Raila Odinga gave him the green light to establish parallel political formations opposed to President William Ruto’s administration.

Amisi said Raila had personally authorised him to form what became known as Kenya Moja, an outfit that brought together a section of parliamentarians opposed to Ruto’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

“I founded Linda Mwananchi in the sense that I brought all these new figures, so to speak. By the way, Baba Raila Odinga, before he died, gave me permission to form what you called Kenya Moja,” Amisi said during an interview on Citizen TV’s Jeff Koinange Live yesterday night.

His remarks came after he was questioned about his decision to walk away from the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi and establish his own political vehicle, the People’s Renaissance Movement (PM).

Amisi maintained that his decision was not a betrayal of the political ideals associated with the opposition movement, claiming that unnamed officials within ODM were aware of Raila’s alleged approval for the creation of parallel political outfits.

The claims come as Amisi seeks to reposition himself as a major player in the political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He officially launched the People’s Renaissance Movement in August 2026, saying the party would pursue economic liberation, justice and a political renaissance for Kenyans while mobilising citizens around an economic agenda and positioning itself to form the next government.

The party has now embarked on grassroots mobilisation, with Amisi using a tour of Chuka, Tharaka-Nithi County, to outline its political agenda and conditions for working with other parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amisi said PM would be willing to enter into coalitions, but only with political formations whose ideologies, values and vision were compatible with its own.

He listed national unity, youth empowerment, greater participation of women in leadership, the fight against corruption, constitutionalism and respect for the rule of law among the principles that would guide the party’s alliances.

“We will work with like-minded people, but we will not compromise on our principles,” the party’s position was that prospective partners must demonstrate a commitment to the values it champions.

Amisi said PM would seek to establish itself as a genuinely national party and reject ethnic politics in favour of an issue-based political agenda addressing challenges affecting Kenyans across the country.

At the centre of its programme, he said, would be job creation, particularly for young people, whom he identified as among the groups most affected by unemployment.

The Saboti MP also raised concerns over Kenya’s rising public debt, calling for greater responsibility from political leaders in managing the country’s finances and ensuring public resources were used prudently.

He said PM would push for stronger accountability in government and demand leaders who respect the Constitution and the rule of law.

The party is seeking to build structures across the country as political parties position themselves for the 2027 contest.

PM Secretary-General Anthony Buluma said the mobilisation campaign in Tharaka-Nithi was part of a wider strategy to take the party’s message directly to citizens.

Buluma said young Kenyans were increasingly demanding political change and argued that PM’s agenda was designed to respond to challenges facing the youth and the wider population.

He said the party would continue engaging communities across the country as it builds its grassroots structures and support base.

PM Women’s League leader Patricia Kagendo said women would occupy a central position in the party’s political and development agenda.

Kagendo, who is seeking the Tharaka-Nithi Woman Representative seat on a PM ticket, said women needed greater representation in decision-making and national leadership.

She said PM intended to provide a platform for women and other traditionally underrepresented groups to participate more actively in politics and contribute to national development.

Meanwhile, Free Kenya Movement chairman Bob Njagi, who has expressed interest in the 2027 presidential race, called for greater youth involvement in determining the country’s political direction.

Njagi said young people should move beyond participating in elections as voters and seek elective positions while taking an active role in shaping policies that affect their lives.

He argued that increased participation of young people and women would broaden political representation and give more Kenyans an opportunity to influence the country’s future.

Amisi’s breakaway from Linda Mwananchi comes as the Sifuna-led movement continues to face uncertainty over its political future amid a registration stalemate at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.

The impasse has left Linda Mwananchi uncertain over whether it will secure formal recognition under the name ahead of the 2027 elections, even as its former founding figures pursue separate political strategies.