Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has stepped up his push for a new political vehicle ahead of the 2027 General Election, recently speaking about the possibility of forming a party during the burial of Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale in Kakamega.
Addressing mourners and supporters, Sifuna indicated that preparations for a political vehicle were underway as he seeks a platform to advance the agenda associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Sifuna's remarks came amid uncertainty over efforts to register the Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya.
Sifuna's remarks came amid uncertainty over efforts to register the Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya.
The senator has maintained that the movement's political ambitions should not be tied to a particular name, signalling that his supporters could pursue their agenda under a different party if necessary.
He has also faced calls from supporters to establish a vehicle capable of carrying their political ambitions into the 2027 elections.
Blogger Maverick Aoko has now claimed that the Linda Mwananchi leadership has settled on Ukombozi People’s Party (UPP) as the name of the proposed new outfit.
In her remarks, Aoko described Ukombozi as the latest identity chosen by the movement, although she did not provide documentary evidence confirming that the party has been formally registered or officially launched.
Aoko, however, warned that the political project could encounter challenges before its official launch, particularly over competition for senior positions.
She alleged that disagreements could emerge over the positions of party leader, deputy party leader, chairperson, secretary-general and other senior offices.
The blogger pointed to what she described as growing signs of tension within the movement, citing an earlier incident in Trans Nzoia involving a disagreement over a microphone.
According to Aoko, such incidents could point to deeper questions surrounding influence and seniority within the emerging political formation.
She further addressed claims that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo could be reluctant to endorse Sifuna as the movement's presidential candidate. Aoko referred to claims that the two politicians do not always publicly declare Sifuna as their preferred candidate when speaking at political rallies.
However, she defended Babu against the allegations, recalling his previous support for Sifuna during political tensions in Homa Bay. She argued that his actions at the time demonstrated his commitment to the movement and questioned suggestions that he was opposed to Sifuna's political ambitions.
Aoko also criticised what she described as attempts by outsiders to create divisions within Linda Mwananchi. She warned that internal disagreements over party positions could weaken the movement and potentially benefit President William Ruto's political camp ahead of the 2027 elections.
The claims come as Sifuna seeks to position himself within the emerging opposition realignment. The senator has previously argued that the political vehicle's name is less important than the people and agenda behind it, suggesting that a change of name would not necessarily alter the movement's objectives.
For now, however, Ukombozi People's Party remains an alleged name rather than a formally confirmed political party.
Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi leaders are yet to publicly confirm Aoko's claim, meaning the proposed party's name, leadership structure and launch date remain subject to official clarification.