Linda Mwananchi movement leaders at Kisii.
Sifuna and Maraga present a united front in Kisii as attackers strike their convoy, hardening opposition resolve ahead of 2027
By MKT Reporter
Orange Democratic Movement Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna dismissed claims yesterday that he or the Linda Mwananchi movement intend to split the opposition vote ahead of the 2027 general election, even as suspected attackers targeted the convoy carrying him and fellow opposition leaders during a tour of Kisii County.
Addressing a women’s empowerment forum in Mosocho, Sifuna insisted the movement remains committed to forging a single opposition front capable of defeating President William Ruto’s administration. “As Linda Mwananchi, we will not divide the opposition vote. If anyone thinks Sifuna can be convinced to run independently so that Kasongo can sneak through the middle and win, they should think again. That will not happen,” he told supporters.
Sifuna said opposition leaders needed to set aside individual ambitions and instead rally behind a single presidential candidate. He singled out former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as central to that effort, saying the two camps needed to sit down and agree on a joint strategy. “We will look for Matiang’i, sit down with him and agree on the team that can deliver victory. Let him also share his views so that together we can field one team,” he said.
Both Linda Mwananchi and the rival United Opposition bloc, Sifuna argued, have the individual capacity to defeat President Ruto — but a combined ticket would settle the contest decisively rather than leaving it closely fought. He urged Kenyans to back efforts toward a single opposition coalition, saying the country needed a clear and convincing outcome rather than a fractured field of challengers.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga, who leads the UGM Party and is himself among those eyeing the presidency in 2027, joined Linda Mwananchi leaders at the Mosocho gathering, a move likely to intensify speculation over his political alignment heading into the election. His appearance came days after he hosted Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi for consultations on the country’s political direction.
Speaking at the rally, Maraga said his recent engagements were driven by the need for leaders committed to Kenya’s transformation to work together in defence of constitutionalism, the rule of law and inclusive economic opportunity. He called on leaders aligned with the Ukombozi movement to unite around efforts to “reset” the country by strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountable leadership. The Linda Mwananchi forums, he said, are designed to give residents of Kisii and Nyamira counties a platform to engage leaders on governance and constitutional rights.
The tour’s final leg took a violent turn when suspected assailants attacked the convoy carrying Maraga, Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo at Keumbu, as the group made its way to a scheduled rally in Keroka. The leaders accused political rivals of orchestrating the assault in an attempt to block their entry into the town. Stones were reportedly hurled at several vehicles in the convoy; no serious injuries were reported, though some vehicles sustained damage, and security officers accompanying the leaders intervened to restore order.
Addressing supporters after reaching Keroka despite the disruption, the leaders characterised the attack as an attempt to intimidate the opposition and suppress its political activity. “They have been telling us that we will not make it to Keroka, but I want to confirm we are in Keroka. I rebuke those who orchestrated an attack on us at Keumbu — their days are numbered, because when we form Kenya’s sixth administration, you will be held to account,” Sifuna said.
Maraga was sharper still in his assessment of the motive behind the attack. “If we continue like this, we may not hold the general elections in 2027, and that is what he wants. He is sending planted goons all over to disrupt our meetings. He is free to hold a rally wherever he wants, but he should also allow us to exercise our right to assemble,” he said, without naming the individual he held responsible.
Maraga reiterated that leaders committed to Kenya’s transformation needed to work collectively to uphold the rule of law, strengthen democratic institutions and expand economic opportunity, adding that the Linda Mwananchi forums in Kisii and Nyamira would continue to serve as a platform for that conversation.
The events in Kisii underscore the delicate balancing act facing Kenya’s opposition as it heads toward 2027. Linda Mwananchi, which emerged from within ODM’s ranks under Sifuna’s leadership, has spent recent months touring the country and drawing crowds independently of the more established United Opposition coalition fronted by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. The prospect of two rival opposition platforms entering 2027 without a merger has fuelled persistent concern among anti-Ruto strategists that a split vote could hand the incumbent an easier path to re-election — a risk Sifuna appeared eager to address head-on in Mosocho.
Whether Wednesday’s rhetoric translates into a genuine merger of the two camps remains to be tested. Matiang’i, widely regarded as a leading opposition contender in his own right, has previously insisted that any process to select a joint flag bearer must be transparent and driven by consensus rather than backroom deals. For now, Sifuna and Maraga have signalled where they stand. Whether their rivals — and their attackers — respond in kind will shape the opposition’s fortunes long before ballots are cast.
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