Sifuna Hints at 2027 Presidential Bid as Linda Mwananchi Plans Nationwide Political Takeover

 Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has revealed that the Linda Mwananchi movement is seriously considering fielding a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, while also unveiling plans to contest seats from Member of County Assembly (MCA) to the presidency.

Speaking during Citizen TV's The Explainer on Tuesday night, Sifuna said the movement is conducting nationwide consultations before making key political decisions, including the selection of its presidential flagbearer.

He dismissed claims that his recent political tours in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties were meant to boost his personal ambitions, insisting they are part of a broader strategy to engage Kenyans across the country.

According to Sifuna, the Linda Mwananchi team has already visited 16 counties and intends to cover all 47 counties before unveiling its next political steps.

"I don't know why people are calling it a homecoming. We have given an undertaking to reach all 47 counties to speak to the people. We have done 16 counties, there are 31 left. Everywhere I go is actually a homecoming because my home is Kenya," he said.

The senator said the movement was born out of growing public frustration over the high cost of living, heavy taxation, unemployment and what he described as the erosion of the rule of law.

While avoiding a direct declaration that he will run for president, Sifuna acknowledged that the movement is actively exploring the possibility of fronting its own presidential candidate in 2027.

He emphasized that any decision on the presidential ticket would be made collectively by the movement's leadership rather than by an individual.

"As Linda Mwananchi, we are very strongly considering the prospect of running a presidential candidate, and that is something coming from the people themselves," he said.

Sifuna also reacted to recent TIFA opinion polls that placed him at 15 percent popularity, ahead of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka (13 percent), former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i (14 percent) and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (7 percent), while President William Ruto led with 24 percent.

He said the figures indicate growing support but acknowledged they are still far from what is needed to secure victory in a presidential election.

"The highest I've seen is 15 percent, which doesn't get anyone elected president. I still have to go and seek votes across the country," he said.

He added that if he eventually decides to contest for the presidency, the announcement would be made publicly before Kenyans rather than during a television interview.

Sifuna further disclosed that Linda Mwananchi has attracted members from different political parties, including Wiper, and is currently putting in place structures to accommodate volunteers, donors and aspiring candidates.

He revealed that the movement recently raised Sh6.5 million within three days through small M-Pesa donations from supporters, saying the contributions reflected growing public confidence in the initiative.

Recalling one encounter, Sifuna narrated how an elderly woman in Kimilili Market handed him a worn-out Sh50 note, describing it as a symbol of ordinary Kenyans' commitment to political change.

Addressing his increasingly strained relationship with ODM, where he previously served as Secretary General, Sifuna claimed he and like-minded leaders were being pushed out of the party.

He alleged that they had been removed from ODM communication platforms and pointed to an ongoing Senate motion seeking to remove him as Chairperson of the County Public Investments Committee.

Sifuna maintained that leadership should be judged by actions rather than speeches, citing his opposition to alleged land grabbing attempts, including efforts that he said threatened the historic Tom Mboya Social Hall.

He concluded by saying Linda Mwananchi seeks to offer Kenyans an alternative vision of governance anchored on human rights, democracy, the rule of law and social justice, arguing that the country's future should be defined by constitutional values as much as development projects.