Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has revealed that the newly launched Linda Mwananchi website was temporarily taken offline after attracting thousands of users shortly after going live.
The Nairobi senator announced that the platform, accessible through Lindamwananchi.com, received overwhelming support from Kenyans within hours of its launch.
However, the site also experienced numerous malicious cyber attempts that forced the team to suspend it briefly in order to address technical issues and improve the platform.
In a statement shared on his X account, Sifuna thanked supporters for the enthusiasm shown during the launch and assured them that the team was working to strengthen the website before restoring it.
“What a start.! Lindamwananchi.com went live yesterday and thousands of you signed up. That’s the energy we need. On behalf of the entire team, thank you so much!” Sifuna said.
The senator disclosed that while many Kenyans signed up and shared positive feedback, the website also faced several cyber threats soon after it went live.
“Expectedly there were thousands of malicious attacks on the website as well as hundreds of positive feedback on how we can improve,” he said.
According to Sifuna, the developers opted to temporarily take the site offline to resolve the issues and incorporate suggestions from supporters.
“We have taken the site offline to address the issues and incorporate your ideas. We ask for your patience kidogo tu. Have a good weekend,” he added.
The Linda Mwananchi initiative comes at a time when political divisions continue to shape debates within the opposition, particularly regarding the relationship with President William Ruto’s administration.
Sifuna is leading the ODM faction that has strongly opposed cooperation with the current government. The group has consistently criticised efforts to align with the ruling administration.
Among political leaders associated with the camp are James Orengo, the governor of Siaya County; Babu Owino, the MP for Embakasi East; Godfrey Osotsi, the Senator for Vihiga County; and Caleb Amisi, the MP for Saboti Constituency.
On the other side of the divide is a faction allied with ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga, which has shown support for engaging with the current administration.
Despite the temporary shutdown of the Linda Mwananchi platform, Sifuna has expressed confidence that the website will return stronger once the technical challenges are resolved.
