The Linda Mwananchi movement is facing internal disagreements over mistrust, personal political ambitions and competing interests, with Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka revealing that senior figures have been holding private meetings to address tensions within the opposition outfit.
Onyonka confirmed the divisions amid reports of growing differences among the movement’s leading figures, even as some leaders have rejected claims that the group is split.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Thursday, September 17, 2026, Onyonka said the disagreements were serious enough to bring several senior leaders together for discussions.
“If you saw me with Matiangi and Orengo and Babu and Sifuna and Osotsi, honestly, we were not just having tea. We were managing a very interesting crisis,” he said.
Onyonka said political mistrust had grown as several key figures within Linda Mwananchi moved to register their own political parties.
“What that does is because that is how we have become as a people. That's how we practice our politics,” he said.
He also pointed to the lack of a common political ideology as another challenge facing the movement, saying some politicians could be viewing the outfit as a path to political positions and wealth if it succeeds in changing the government.
“Our politics has no ideology,” he said.
However, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has rejected claims of a political fallout between him and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, saying their pursuit of different elective positions does not amount to a disagreement.
“There are no internal wrangles between Sifuna and me. We are pursuing different seats; Sifuna is seeking the presidency, while I am pursuing the gubernatorial seat,” Owino said.
Owino said he would reduce his attendance at some Linda Mwananchi rallies as he concentrates on his Nairobi gubernatorial campaign. He nevertheless maintained that he remains committed to the movement and continues to support Sifuna’s presidential bid.
Onyonka warned that the competing political ambitions could weaken the movement’s broader goal unless its leaders agree on a common programme.
“We are not trying to change William Ruto so that we get a better William Ruto or a worse William Ruto. We just want to have a country that runs on certain values,” he said.
He said the movement was working on a manifesto and preparing for a retreat where senior opposition figures would discuss its direction.
Those expected to take part include former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Attorney General Justin Muturi, former Justice Minister Martha Karua, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Sifuna and ODM leader James Orengo.
Onyonka also dismissed suggestions that Linda Mwananchi would collapse if individual leaders left the movement, saying its activities would continue regardless of who remained.
“I can tell you, even if Sifuna is not there today, something will continue,” he said.
He further said efforts were being made to manage differences involving younger politicians, urging them to remain patient as the movement works out its political direction.
“We are constantly telling the younger generation, learn to be patient. Babu can wait,” Onyonka said.