Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna has alleged that a significant number of MPs privately support the Linda Mwananchi movement but are too intimidated by potential government retaliation to declare their backing openly.
In an interview broadcast on Wednesday on Egesa FM, Sifuna, a vocal figure in the movement, said several members of parliament share in the movement’s goals but worry that open alignment could stall infrastructure projects, particularly road construction funded by the national government.
“Contractors can simply pack up their machines and leave if they sense opposition,” Sifuna said, describing what he portrayed as a climate of political caution. “This government does not play around.”
The senator described a pattern in which some legislators have asked him to give them time to complete ongoing projects before they feel safe associating themselves publicly with Linda Mwananchi.
Linda Mwananchi, which has positioned itself as a grassroots-driven force critical of aspects of President William Ruto’s government, has been active in rallies and outreach efforts across Kenya in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Sifuna’s claims highlight persistent concerns in the country’s politics about the use of state resources and development funds as tools of political control, a pattern frequently criticised by opposition voices and civil society groups as undermining democratic expression.
Despite the reported hesitation among many MPs, Sifuna praised politicians from the Kisii region for their principled stance. He singled out Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi as a “steadfast supporter” who has continued to back Linda Mwananchi despite facing what Sifuna described as political harassment and being labelled a “one-term MP”.
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