Edwin Sifuna appeared alongside Rigathi Gachagua at the Gema Watho Extravaganza at Thika Greens Golf Club.
The Nairobi senator says opposition leaders must put aside past differences as his movement prepares its leadership structure ahead of the 2027 election.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has defended his emerging Gachagua alliance, saying opposition leaders must overcome personal differences to remove President William Ruto. He described the president as an “existential threat” to Kenya.
Sifuna spoke alongside former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the second Gema Watho Extravaganza on Saturday night. The event took place at Thika Greens Golf Club.
Despite their history of disagreements, Sifuna said their shared political objective now outweighed personal feelings. He acknowledged that their partnership was unlikely, but argued that opposing Ruto required cooperation.
Gachagua alliance centres on opposition unity
Meanwhile, Gachagua urged unity in defending Kenya’s constitutional order ahead of the 2027 General Election. He presented their engagement as part of a broader liberation effort, describing them as “one team: WANTAM”.
The appearance comes as Sifuna builds the Linda Mwananchi Movement to mobilise opposition support before the election. He leads the movement, which has unveiled a proposed leadership team drawn from several political formations.
The team includes politicians from ODM and Wiper, alongside figures from other political groups. Sifuna has scheduled a National Delegates Convention for November 13 to formalise the proposed leadership structure.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi is the proposed chairperson, while Suba South MP Caroli Omondi would serve as secretary-general. Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and Wiper’s Patrick Makau are among the proposed deputy party leaders.
County expansion and spending cuts
Sifuna also plans to establish movement offices across all 47 counties by the end of November, starting with Kwale. He claims the movement already has chairpersons in 38 counties, many previously affiliated with ODM.
After exploring other options, the movement adopted The Equitable Party as its political platform. However, Sifuna has accused the government of obstructing its efforts to secure a political home.
The movement’s emergence coincides with disagreements within ODM over cooperation with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance. Sifuna is among those questioning the direction of that engagement.
Beyond coalition-building, the senator proposes cutting KSh500 billion in government expenditure within an opposition administration’s first 100 days. He argues that the targeted spending amounts to corruption embedded in the budget.
He would then direct those savings towards lowering living costs, including removing taxes on fuel and electricity. His proposals also include scrapping the Housing Levy.
Alongside its economic pledges, the movement says it will prioritise constitutionalism, human rights, equality and accountability in public spending.
