There is a new political movement in Kenya that has been steadily gaining momentum. It is called Linda Mwananchi, meaning “Protect the Citizen” in Swahili, a language widely spoken across East Africa.
In recent months, its rallies across the country have drawn large crowds. Its most prominent face is Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, a 44-year-old lawyer who has become a rising opposition figure.
Political analyst Professor Gitile Naituli of Multimedia University of Kenya told TRT Afrika that the growing popularity of Linda Mwananchi is largely due to Sifuna’s “consistency” in championing issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
Observers say the movement started following tensions in the opposition Orange Democratic Movement, ODM, one of Kenya’s dominant political parties led by its founder and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. It reportedly began after ODM officials under Odinga reached a deal with President William Ruto in 2024 in the wake of youth-led protests backed by some sections of the opposition over the rising cost of living and proposed tax hikes.
The agreement saw some of Odinga’s allies co-opted into government in what President Ruto described as a “broad-based” administration, apparently to douse tensions.
‘Youth movement’
Many young people were unhappy and unease began to brew within the opposition, with some feeling Kenya’s established politicians were cooperating against citizens’ interests.
However, some members of ODM reportedly held back due to the respect they had for Odinga, who for many years was the face of the opposition. When he died in October 2025, the cracks became more visible.
Senator Sifuna, who was against deal with President Ruto, was removed as ODM party secretary general in February 2026. Then a faction of the party aligned with him began promoting Linda Mwananchi in earnest. Some of its rallies have been marred by clashes with security forces, resulting in casualties.
What’s intriguing is how the movement has become a strong magnet for young people.
But some observers say the reason is not too hard to see. Many supporters were part of the 2024 Gen Z-led protests. They see Linda Mwananchi as an alternative to Kenya’s political establishment.
It has since brought together prominent figures from different political backgrounds, including veteran politician James Orengo, Nairobi lawmaker Babu Owino, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. So where is Linda Mwananchi heading?
Its main face, Sifuna, is believed to be eyeing the presidency as Kenya gears up for elections in 2027, when incumbent Ruto is expected to seek a second term.
However, Linda Mwananchi is not yet a registered political party.
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, the body mandated to register and regulate political parties in Kenya, has rejected its registration application, arguing its name coincides with the acronym of another registered political party.
Nonetheless, Sifuna has suggested their struggle will continue because they are not fighting for a party but for their “brand”.
Many are now keen to see how Linda Mwananchi will continue to evolve, and its potential impact on Kenyan politics and national life.
