Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has claimed that several politicians currently allied to President William Ruto are privately expressing interest in joining the opposition-backed Linda Mwananchi movement but fear political consequences if they make their intentions public.
Speaking during an interview with Western Kenya media on Friday, July 24, ahead of the Linda Mwananchi political tour of Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties, Sifuna said many leaders have been reaching out to him behind the scenes as the movement gains momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Tuko na wabunge 30, lakini kwa sasa wale viongozi wamekuja upande wetu, na ni wengi sana. Nawahakikishia wakati ambao kipenga kitapigwa ati sasa unaweza kuhama kutoka chama kimoja kwenda kingine pasi na kufanyiwa uchaguzi mdogo, mtashangaa sana,” Sifuna said.
Sifuna claimed that the politicians are reluctant to publicly switch allegiance because they fear reprisals from their current political camps.
“Wanatupigia simu usiku, wanaanza kutuambia, Sifuna tafadhali usifunge mlango, tuko na wewe tu. Unajua hawa jamaa tunadeal nao ni very petty, nitatolewa kwenye kamati, nitafanyiwa hili, nitafanyiwa lile,'” he said.
According to Sifuna, the number of leaders seeking to join the movement will become evident once the legal window for party defections opens ahead of the next general election.
“Muda utakapokaribia, naambia Wakenya mtashangaa sana. Viongozi wengi wamechoka na vyama zao na wanataka kuja kutuunga mkono,” he added.
His remarks come as Linda Mwananchi leaders intensify efforts to popularize the movement through a political tour of Western Kenya.
The tour is set to begin in Trans Nzoia County on Saturday, 25th July 2026, before culminating in Bungoma County on Sunday 26th July 2026, where Sifuna is expected to receive a major homecoming reception alongside other opposition leaders as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace.
