Linda Mwananchi Movement Head of Communications Pauline Njoroge has challenged supporters of President William Ruto over their criticism of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s meeting with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Njoroge questioned what she described as double standards among those condemning Sifuna’s engagement with Gachagua. She argued that the criticism overlooked their differing positions during the 2024 anti-government protests.
Her remarks followed a meeting between Sifuna and Linda Mwananchi leaders and Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County on Tuesday, October 20. The engagement has sparked fresh debate about possible political cooperation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Njoroge Recalls Gachagua’s Response to 2024 Protests
Njoroge defended Sifuna’s decision to meet Gachagua by recalling the former deputy president’s public response to the treatment of young protesters in 2024.
“When our young people were being brutalized, Gachagua who was the Deputy President held a press conference in Mombasa and publicly condemned what was happening,” she argued.
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She maintained that critics should consider Gachagua’s position at the time before condemning his current engagement with Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Njoroge also challenged supporters of Ruto to account for their continued backing of an administration that faced widespread criticism over its handling of the protests.
Her comments placed the debate over the meeting within the broader political divisions that emerged during the 2024 demonstrations.
Finance Bill 2024 Returns to Political Debate
The Linda Mwananchi official also revisited the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which triggered nationwide protests before Ruto declined to assent to it following public opposition.
Njoroge argued that the political positions taken by Ruto and Gachagua during the controversy remain relevant to current discussions about political alliances and accountability.
“I keep saying that the bell rang in 2024. That is where we drew the line. Wasn’t it Ruto who pushed the Finance Bill, while Gachagua opposed it? Who defended the brutality unleashed on our young people, and who spoke out against it?” she posed.
Through the remarks, Njoroge maintained that the events of 2024 should remain central to how Kenyans assess political leaders and their subsequent alliances.
Sifuna-Gachagua Meeting Sparks Fresh Political Debate
The meeting brought together Sifuna and other leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi and Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Gachagua described the engagement as a discussion about Kenya’s political future and the formation of what he called the Sixth Administration. Meanwhile, Sifuna indicated that the meeting could be the first of several engagements aimed at fostering unity within the opposition.
The meeting comes as political leaders explore possible cooperation ahead of the August 2027 General Election. However, neither side announced a formal coalition agreement following the engagement.
Njoroge’s remarks have added another layer to the debate, highlighting how the legacy of the 2024 protests continues to shape political relationships and criticism.
She also invoked the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, arguing that constitutionalism and accountability should remain central to political discussions.
As consultations continue, the meeting between Sifuna and Gachagua is likely to remain a subject of political debate as leaders consider their next steps ahead of the 2027 polls.
