Linda Mwananchi Transitions into Political Party at Taita Taveta Rally as Senator Onyonka Endorses Sifuna for President
Politics Updated: 18 July 2026 19:23 EAT
Photo courtesy: The Linda Mwananchi faction leaders in Taita Taveta mega rally
The Linda Mwananchi movement has officially announced its transition from a pressure group into a fully registered political party during a high-profile political rally in Taita Taveta. The event, which drew massive crowds, served as a platform for major opposition declarations, gubernatorial endorsements, and a scathing review of the current administration's governance record.
The rally commenced with a powerful introduction of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, who was heralded by organizers as a stalwart "defender of the rights of Kenyans" and a heavy pillar of hope for the movement. Organizers emphasized that the local community's expectations remain firmly anchored on his guidance, declaring him as a central reliance for their political future.
Taking the microphone, Senator Onyonka shared a deeply personal reflection with the crowd, explaining his emotional connection to a specific song played at the venue. He noted that it reminded him of his late mother's recent passing, stating,
"Asante ndugu zanguni mimi ni mkatoliki ndio sababu hii wimbo juzi wakati mamangu alifariki... ndio sababu naipenda sana."
In an effort to connect with the local gathering, Senator Onyonka revealed his familial ties to the Coast region. He informed the audience that his late mother was from the local Mpare community, expressing gratitude by saying,
"Wale ambao mko hapa kutoka hapa utaita mahali mamangu atoka kwa sababu yeye ni mpare. Asante sana kwa kukaribisha jamii ya Umugusi."
Addressing the audience on national leadership, Senator Onyonka explicitly declared his political backing for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in the event of a future presidential bid. "You know this morning I said I support my brother Sifuna. If he wants run for president and he reaches the stage where we are asked to vote for him of course I'll vote for him," Onyonka stated.
The Kisii Senator brushed off internal critics who have questioned his public alignment and support for Sifuna. He noted that some individuals had begun spreading rumors, saying, "Sasa wengine wanaanza kuhara ati Onyonka anasupport ati Onyonka anabeba Sifuna."
Onyonka clarified that the alliance maintains broad solidarity with various top-tier opposition figures across the nation, stating that they are all on the same team.
"There are opposition leaders... Kalonzo Musyoka, you have Matiang'i, Justin Muturi. All of them are our brothers and we are together. Tumeelewana?" Onyonka affirmed.
The Senator strongly urged the political factions gathered under the Linda Mwananchi umbrella to maintain total unity as they approach the upcoming electoral cycle. He repeatedly called on the crowd and the leaders to stay together, chanting, "Tukae pamoja. Tukae pamoja."
Issuing a stern warning to the incoming leadership within his alliance, Senator Onyonka urged them to completely abandon the governance habits associated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party once they take over power.
"Mimi nitawauliza kwa hisani na kwa niaba ya wale wote ambao hawawezi kuwaambia ndugu zanguni mkipata uongozi hizi tabia ambayo UDA wanazo muziache kabisa," he warned.
The Senator specifically cautioned against extravagant displays of wealth and the economic oppression of the underprivileged by political elites. He admonished future leaders against building 50-bedroom mansions and raising taxes arbitrarily, warning,
"Mnaanza kupandisha 18 msije mkapate uongozi mnaanza kujenga manyumba ziko na bedroom 50 msije mkapata uongozi mkatibu watu maskini kama ni watu ambao ni watumwa."
Directing his counsel toward Nairobi gubernatorial hopeful Babu Owino, Onyonka emphasized that the destiny of the nation rests heavily on the shoulders of the younger generation of leaders. He explicitly urged the youthful legislator to focus on dismantling systemic corruption, stating, "The destiny of my country is in your hands my brothers. If you decide to fix this nation Babu, ukiwa governor Nairobi, stop the corruption that is going on there."
Concluding his remarks on the nature of public service, Onyonka addressed a local leader named Mwashako, advising that successful governance does not solely depend on high intellect. "Ukiwa gavana mzuri si akili mingi unahitaji, unahitaji roho safi. Roho safi. Roho safi. God bless you. Harambee," Onyonka stated, emphasizing integrity over political cunning.
Following Onyonka's speech, the leadership announced a major institutional shift, declaring that the Linda Mwananchi pressure group is officially transitioning into a political party. The organizers called for a show of hands and full consensus from the local congregation, stating,
"Sisi ni timu ya Linda Mwananchi... Linda Mwananchi inaenda kuwa chama. Tunakubaliana inaenda kuwa chama?"
The rally organizers proposed that veteran politician and current Siaya Governor James Orengo be appointed as the official party leader of the newly formed political vehicle. The announcement was met with cheers as they asked,
"Na party leader wetu ni James Orengo? Hapo mnaonaje? Hapo mnaonaje?"
In a major political declaration, the Linda Mwananchi leadership announced that the party intends to field Edwin Sifuna as its presidential candidate for the next general election. The leaders boldly projected Sifuna as the individual who would successfully transition to become the sixth President of the Republic of Kenya, announcing, "Linda Mwananchi inaenda kutoa presidential candidate ambaye atakuwa rais wa awamu ya sita wa Kenya anaitwa mheshimiwa Edwin Watenya Sifuna."
Speakers at the rally revisited past political contests in Western Kenya, highlighting how Edwin Sifuna’s faction triumphed over National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during the Kabuchai constituency by-election. They claimed that Sifuna's grassroots strength dismantled Wetangula's influence, noting,
"Juzi tumekuwa na by-election kule Kabuchai tulikuwa na by-election. Wetangula akaweka candidate, Sifuna akaweka candidate, Sifuna alishinda huyo... Sifuna alimlima 10 niluko western yote."
Turning to local politics in the Coast region, the alliance endorsed Mwashako for the Taita Taveta gubernatorial seat, calling upon the residents of Voi and surrounding areas to vote for him and his allied Members of County Assembly (MCAs). They urged the crowd,
"Watu wa Voi kwa heshima na unyenyekevu mtupatie hii timu. Mpatie Mwashako kura. Mkipatia Mwashako kura ya gavana mpatie na MCAs."
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FELIX MAKONA
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