Political commentator Kipkalya Kones has weighed in on growing criticism over the absence of women leaders in the Linda Mwananchi movement, arguing that the initiative should be viewed as a citizen-driven political struggle rather than a structured organisation that can appoint leaders to balance representation.
The Linda Mwananchi campaign, led by a group of opposition politicians allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has been organising rallies and grassroots meetings across the country under the slogan “protect the citizen.”
However, critics have increasingly questioned why the visible leadership of the movement appears dominated by men.
Addressing the issue, Kones said the nature of the initiative makes it difficult to engineer gender balance at this stage.
“This is a revolution, not a political party and not a government. In a revolution, every individual makes their own conscious decision to join the frontline,” he said.
According to Kones, historical political struggles in Kenya have often started with a small group of activists before expanding to broader participation across society.
He cited the Second Liberation movement of the 1990s, which pushed for multiparty democracy, noting that it was also largely led by men during its early stages.
He pointed to prominent figures associated with that struggle, including Raila Odinga, James Orengo, Paul Muite, Kiraitu Murungi, Pheroze Nowrojee Imanyara, Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Mwandawiro Kinyati.
“Then you would throw in Wangari Maathai and that would probably be all for women,” he said, suggesting that female participation in major political movements has historically grown gradually rather than at the outset.
Kones argued that women leaders may currently be supporting the movement from behind the scenes while weighing the risks associated with openly joining the initiative.
“Women are more cautious with things like this. There are obviously many of them who support Linda Mwananchi from a distance,” he said.
He added that the early stage of what he described as a potential “third liberation” could naturally see men taking the lead before women begin participating more visibly.
“At this early phase, it is likely that the movement will be led mostly by men before we see the ladies come onboard,” he explained.
Kones also warned against attempts to force representation simply to address criticism.
“Ultimately, you can't just drag people onto a delicate mission merely to fill a gender gap,” he said.
The Linda Mwananchi movement has recently drawn national attention as its organisers intensify mobilisation campaigns ahead of Kenya’s next political cycle. Critics and supporters alike continue to debate its structure, leadership, and long-term political implications.