Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was forced to contend with chants of “Sifuna! Sifuna!” after supporters disrupted his speech during the unveiling of the Linda Mwananchi Movement’s new political headquarters in Nairobi, exposing the delicate question of who should carry the opposition’s presidential flag in 2027.
What was expected to be a show of opposition unity turned into an uncomfortable political moment on Friday, October 30, after sections of the crowd appeared unwilling to entertain suggestions that the movement should wait before settling on its presidential candidate.
Kalonzo, who attended the launch alongside former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, found himself on the receiving end of sustained chants from supporters who openly appeared to favour Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for the presidency.
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The moment came as the Wiper Patriotic Front leader attempted to rally support for himself while addressing the gathering, prompting sections of the audience to repeatedly shout Sifuna’s name.
“Sifuna! Sifuna! Sifuna!” the crowd chanted, forcing Sifuna to intervene and appeal to the supporters to allow Kalonzo to complete his address.
In an apparent attempt to calm the growing tension, Kalonzo told the gathering that he was prepared to support Sifuna should the movement settle on him as its presidential candidate.
“Mnitongoze vizuri ili niunge mkono Sifuna 2027. I will stand with Sifuna if he is selected to be our presidential candidate,” Kalonzo said.
He, however, cautioned against premature political declarations, insisting that the opposition must follow the proper procedures and be prepared to make sacrifices if it hopes to mount a united challenge against President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Kalonzo also invoked the legacy of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, arguing that his political wish was never to see President Ruto secure another term.
“Baba’s wish was never going to be with William Ruto. We must all prepare to sacrifice everything we have and speak with one voice,” he said, warning that divisions among opposition leaders could undermine their common political objective.
The incident offered a glimpse into the competing expectations surrounding the opposition’s presidential succession, with supporters seemingly eager to see Sifuna take centre stage even as established political figures continue to position themselves for the contest.
Gachagua throws weight behind Sifuna
The gathering also provided a platform for Gachagua to publicly declare his own presidential ambitions while leaving the door open to backing another candidate if the opposition settles on a different flagbearer.
Speaking at the event, the former Deputy President said he wanted to become Kenya’s next Head of State but would not stand in the way of a collective opposition decision.
“As Riggy G, I want to be President of Kenya. If they say otherwise and say Kalonzo, I will support him. If they say Sifuna, I will go ahead and lead Sifuna’s presidential campaign,” Gachagua declared.
His remarks appeared to reinforce the message that the opposition’s presidential contest remains open, despite growing public enthusiasm for Sifuna among sections of the Linda Mwananchi supporters.
Wamalwa was equally emphatic in his backing, assuring Sifuna that he would not be alone should the movement choose him to carry its presidential ticket.
“You will not walk alone. Kalonzo, Gachagua and I will be with you,” Wamalwa said, adding that Western Kenya’s votes would be channelled towards the opposition’s one-term agenda.
The statements came against the backdrop of growing efforts by opposition leaders to build a common political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sifuna takes aim at Ruto government
Away from the presidential succession debate, Sifuna used his address to mount a strong criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, particularly over human rights, constitutional freedoms and the handling of Kenyans allegedly recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Nairobi senator questioned the significance of the President’s recent announcement following his visit to Russia, saying he had expected news about efforts to secure the release of Kenyans allegedly lured into the foreign conflict.
“We heard the President was going to make a very important announcement and because he was in Russia, some of us were hoping that he was going to announce that he had secured the release of more than 1,000 Kenyans lured to fight in the Russian-Ukrainian war. Instead, he told us that some two European teams are coming to Nairobi to play a football match,” Sifuna said.
He further accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of rolling back constitutional gains and called for an administration that respects human rights and equality.
“Tunataka serikali ambayo itaheshimu haki za kibinadamu na usawa. Who told you that you can enjoy Article 3 rights when you are in the ground?” he posed.
Sifuna maintained that no government had the authority to take the lives of citizens, adding that accountability for alleged human rights violations must not be avoided.
“The Ruto government has clawed back all the gains we made in the Constitution. You have no right to take the lives of Kenyans. We want a government which respects human rights. You cannot hide for so long,” he said.
His remarks placed human rights and accountability at the centre of the movement’s political messaging.
Sifuna unveils proposed party leadership
The Nairobi senator also unveiled a proposed leadership structure intended to transform Linda Mwananchi into a nationally organised political party.
Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo and Mavoko MP Patrick Makau were proposed for deputy party leader positions.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi was proposed as Secretary General, while Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was proposed as national chairperson, with former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo as his deputy.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was also assigned a central role, having been proposed to chair the Board of Trustees and lead the movement’s presidential campaign.
The proposed appointments are expected to be presented to delegates at the National Delegates Convention scheduled for November 13, 2026. People Daily +2
The Lavington gathering therefore brought together two competing political conversations: the search for a single opposition presidential candidate and the establishment of a party structure capable of supporting that ambition.
For Kalonzo, Gachagua, Wamalwa and Sifuna, the challenge now extends beyond sharing a political platform. They must also navigate the question of who ultimately gets the ticket — and whether the unity displayed at the launch can survive that decision.
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