Linda Mwananchi Picks Edwin Sifuna as 2027 Presidential Candidate

The Linda Mwananchi Movement has named Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as its presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.  

In a statement on Saturday night, September 26, the movement said its leadership had held a meeting and resolved to designate Sifuna as its leader and presidential flag bearer.  

“Today, we met as the leadership of Linda Mwananchi and resolved to move forward together, united by a common purpose of answering the call of Kenyans seeking better governance and rescuing our country from the grave failures of the current administration. 

“We further resolved that H.E. Edwin Watenya Sifuna is our leader and Presidential Candidate,” read the statement. 

The movement also announced that Sifuna will unveil the party he will use to contest for the presidency in early October. 

“In early October, H.E. Edwin Watenya Sifuna will lead the unveiling of the party on whose ticket he will run,” the movement said. 

Further, Linda Mwananchi said it would build a coalition with like-minded political parties that share its commitment to the people of Kenya.

“We will seek to build a coalition with like-minded parties that share our commitment to the people of Kenya. We remain united and focused on the work ahead,” the statement added.  

This comes a day after the United Democratic Party (UDP) dismissed reports that Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya and Senator Sifuna are set to take over the party's leadership, terming the claims baseless.

The party's vice chairman and acting deputy party leader, Mohammed Abikar, noted that UDP has proper procedures which members and newcomers must adhere to. 

"Rumours are circulating that Governor George Natembeya and Senator Edwin Sifuna are taking over the leadership of the United Democratic Party. Let me be clear: no such arrangement exists," Abikar said.

He maintained that the party's current officials remain legitimately in office, having been elected at UDP's last National Delegates Conference, held at Multimedia University in 2022.

Abikar made it clear that any succession must be guided strictly by the party's constitution and delegates' consensus, rather than arrangements negotiated outside the party's structures.

"Any transition to a new party leader must be deliberate, well-planned, and anchored on one conditional principle: delegates' consensus, not backroom deals. Any deliberate attempt by anyone to seize the party leadership through manipulation is engaged in an exercise in futility. 

“UDP needs new leadership, but it must come through the party's rules and constitution, not shortcuts," he said.