How Edwin Sifuna wants to reshape government if Linda Mwananchi clinches power

Linda Mwananchi Movement Party presidential hopeful Edwin Sifuna. (X/Edwin Sifuna)

Linda Mwananchi Movement Party presidential hopeful Edwin Sifuna is anchoring his 2027 State House bid on respect for the rule of law and lowering the high cost of living, which he attributed to high taxes.

In his first indication of what to expect in the yet-to-be-unveiled manifesto, Sifuna pledged to put citizens at the centre of his agenda, promising constitutional reforms, reduced government spending and relief from fuel and electricity taxes if the movement forms the next government.

Speaking during the launch of the movement’s headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi, on Friday, October 30, 2026, Sifuna said its political programme would be anchored in the Constitution and the interests of ordinary Kenyans.

“Sisi tumesema kama Linda Mwananchi tutaweka uongozi wa wananchi mbele. Kila kitu ambayo tunafanya tutaweka wananchi mbele ili tuweze kuhakikisha kwamba tunarudisha nchi hii yetu,” Sifuna said.

He said constitutionalism should guide government decisions, adding that the movement intended to bring into government leaders who understood and respected the Constitution.

Sifuna said the movement’s agenda was rooted in constitutional values that should guide leadership and public service.

He criticised what he described as obstacles the movement had faced while searching for a political party through which to advance its agenda.

Sifuna also criticised government spending on food and entertainment, questioning how billions of shillings could be spent on such items while the health sector continued to face serious challenges following a 45-day nurses’ strike.

“Tunataka tukiingia siku mia moja za kwanza, tukate wastage na sherehe ambao watu wanapiga State House,” he said.

“Inawezekanaje manurse wanagoma siku 45 wakiitisha Sh1.8 billion na wewe chai na mandazi umekula Sh12 billion? Na unatuambia wewe ni kiongozi wa taifa.”

He also called for a government that respects human rights and equality, questioning the treatment of citizens whose rights had been violated.

During the event, Sifuna outlined a proposed leadership structure for the party, with Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi nominated as party chairperson, deputised by former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has been proposed for the position of secretary-general, while Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka is set to serve as treasurer.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya will head the presidential campaign, deputised by Faith Odhiambo.

Sifuna announced that the movement would hold a National Delegates Convention on November 13, 2026, to ratify the proposed party structures.

The convention will also pave the way for the establishment of grassroots offices across the country, with the movement targeting to have them operational before the end of November.

He thanked leaders who he said had offered alternative political platforms, including Babu Owino, Kawira Mwangaza and members of The Equitable Party, which eventually provided the movement with a political home.

He also acknowledged opposition leaders Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka, referring to their engagements with the movement.

Sifuna said Linda Mwananchi would seek to cut Sh500 billion from government expenditure, arguing that the savings could help ease the financial burden on Kenyans.

“Tunataka kukata shilingi bilioni Sh500 kutoka kwa bajeti ya serikali kwa sababu bajeti ya corruption,” he said.

He added that the movement intended to push for the removal of taxes on fuel and electricity, although he did not provide a detailed implementation plan in his remarks.

Sifuna also questioned government spending, citing figures of Sh1.8 billion and Sh12 billion. The transcript does not clearly establish the specific expenditures to which he was referring.

He accused President William Ruto of copying ideas associated with the movement, linking his criticism to the meaning of The Equitable Party’s name.

He said the party’s Swahili name was “Chama cha Usawa” and argued that equality had become part of the political conversation.

“Wewe tunataka tukutume nyumbani tuingize watu ambao wanaelewa katiba ndani ya serikali,” Sifuna said, directing his criticism at Ruto.

His remarks combined a pledge to prioritise citizens with criticism of government spending and a promise to make constitutionalism central to Linda Mwananchi’s political agenda.