A growing push by Siaya Governor James Orengo to become president could put his Linda Mwananchi colleagues under pressure, with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s rising popularity emerging as a key factor in the faction’s battle to settle on a 2027 presidential candidate.
TIFA Research has warned that the two developments could lead to internal tensions within the political grouping as it prepares for the General Election.
In its latest survey report released on September 9, 2026, the polling firm pointed to Sifuna’s continued rise as a potential presidential candidate, following findings contained in the first release of its June 2026 survey.
The development comes as Orengo openly pushes his own presidential ambitions, setting up the possibility of competition between the two politicians within Linda Mwananchi.
TIFA said the combination of Sifuna’s growing popularity and Orengo’s decision to seek the presidency could present a challenge for the faction as its members work towards presenting a single candidate in 2027.
“Among several other developments,” suggests that the Linda Mwananchi group may suffer some internal tensions of its own,” TIFA observed.
Despite the concerns raised by the pollster, Orengo has maintained that his presidential bid should not be viewed as a threat to the unity of Linda Mwananchi.
The Siaya Governor recently defended his decision, saying the push was based on the need for democracy within the movement and should not be used to suggest that the faction could break apart.
He pointed to the 2007 Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Pentagon arrangement, where five principals within the political formation expressed interest in becoming the presidential flag bearer.
According to Orengo, the principals were willing to withdraw and support the candidate who emerged as the most popular if members were given an opportunity to vote and choose their flag bearer.
He accused those seeking to block his presidential ambitions of being undemocratic and said the process should instead be based on consultations and internal democracy.
Orengo has also presented his presidential bid as part of a wider effort to ensure the opposition goes into the 2027 election with one candidate against President William Ruto.
He said he would accept the outcome if Sifuna eventually wins the opposition ticket, adding that he would then return to Siaya and seek another term as governor.
The governor also said he was being treated unfairly because of the attention surrounding his presidential ambitions, arguing that other politicians had equally declared their intention to seek the presidency.
Orengo has meanwhile rejected efforts to quickly settle on and promote a Linda Mwananchi presidential flag bearer.
He said the movement needs to hold more consultations before deciding who should carry its presidential ticket, leaving the question of who will lead the faction into the 2027 contest still open.