NAIROBI, Kenya Jul 1 – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna says the ODM Linda Mwananchi movement has entered what he described as its election phase, with efforts now focused on building structured grassroots networks across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a radio interview, Sifuna acknowledged supporters have consistently demanded a more organized movement and that the next phase will allow wananchi to actively participate through local chapters and coordinated activities.
He noted that July 1, 2026, marks exactly one year before the next General Election, saying the movement is now focused on strengthening its grassroots structures ahead of the polls.
“We don’t want to call it a manifesto because people are tired of that word. We want to agree with Kenyans that there are things we want to be stopped and there are things we want to start seeing in the leadership of this nation of ours.”
“After that, we will know who can implement these things or ensure that they lead a team that can bring these changes that Kenyans want. Just give us time. It will not take more than one more month,” he emphasised.
According to Sifuna, the movement is prioritizing organization before unveiling its broader political agenda, saying strong grassroots structures will be essential in mobilizing support ahead of the elections.
“We want to return this country to the ideals and values enshrined in the Constitution. As the Linda Mwananchi movement, we have now entered the election period. Today is July 1, and by August we must be organized, just as people have been telling us. We must have proper structures in place.”
“Secondly, we want to develop a platform. We want to tell Kenyans what we will do differently and explain it clearly, just as we have tried to do here today. We want to show that this country can be governed differently—that Kenya can be run in a way that does not hurt ordinary citizens but instead benefits them, if they agree with us that this is how they would like to see the country governed,” he said.
Speaking about the movement’s progress, Sifuna said Linda Mwananchi has expanded significantly since its launch in February, with growing support reported in Kitengela, Mombasa, Nakuru and Kisumu.
“People should know how they can become part of the movement. For example, someone in Kisii should know how to start a women’s chapter or a youth chapter, or how they can plug into the movement. That is the conversation we are having now because we want to become fully organized,” the ODM Secretary General said.