Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi has lifted the lid on the formation of the emerging Linda Mwananchi political movement, detailing how it evolved from informal dissent into an organised platform bringing together leaders from across the country.

Speaking on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, during an interview with K24 TV, Amisi described himself as the founder of the movement, saying it was born out of a perceived leadership gap and growing public frustration with existing political formations.

Amisi said he decided to publicly claim ownership of the initiative after seeing speculation linking the movement to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“I saw a lot of attacks on the former president and the way he was being linked to Linda Mwananchi, and I said I am the founder,” Amisi stated.

He added that anyone seeking clarity on the movement’s operations should direct their questions to him.

“If you have any questions about how Linda Mwananchi operates, ask me, because I am the founder,” he added.

The birth of Linda Mwananchi

According to the MP, the idea took shape after he observed widespread criticism of the government from different quarters, coupled with dissatisfaction with opposition politics.

“How it started: people used to talk against the government in various quarters. I noticed them, and I saw a gap in the leadership of this country. There are people who don’t want President William Ruto; they don’t want this government, but neither do they subscribe to what the other team is talking about on tribalism, and they could not see anything new,” he said.

Amisi noted that many Kenyans were searching for an alternative political voice that resonates with younger leaders and offers a different direction.

“I saw a gap in the leadership of this country,” he added.

The movement, Amisi says, was born when he hosted a rally in his constituency, in one of the interior villages, where the leaders invited were accorded a warm reception by his constituents.

Why Sifuna was picked

Amisi revealed that Nairobi Senator and the now embattled Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary general Edwin Sifuna was deliberately chosen to lead the movement due to his seniority and political standing.

“I called Sifuna and told him that because he is the senator of Nairobi and the SG of a political party and senior among us, I chose him to lead the Linda Mwananchi group,” he said.

The Saboti MP said he actively brought together leaders from different regions to ensure the movement had national appeal and balance.

Among those he named were Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo, and Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu.

Amisi said he also engaged Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to facilitate Kimilu’s participation, while incorporating other leaders such as Kibagendi and Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo.

He explained that the inclusion of diverse leaders was intentional, aimed at achieving regional and generational balance within the movement.

“I invited him to Kitale at my rally in a village called Lukhome, a very interior village on a Sunday morning, and the place was full. I put Sifuna, Babu Owino; I put Moha Jicho Pevu of Nyali because I was looking for regional balance; I put Gathoni Wamuchomba because of the gender balance thing; I put Joshua Kimilu from Ukambani,” he said.

“I personally talked to Kalonzo to release Kimilu. Kimilu came. I talked to Anthony Kibagendi. I talked to Obadiah Barongo, and I also included Wilberforce Oundo as an elder, because as young people, we would need an elder to direct us, and there were many other people who didn’t come. But apart from Moha Jicho Pevu, who is almost joining us, the rest of the people came.”

From Kenya Moja to Linda Mwananchi

Amisi disclosed that the movement initially operated under the name “Kenya Moja” before evolving into Linda Mwananchi.

“We started as Kenya Moja; it excited people,” he said.

He noted that the transition to Linda Mwananchi came after political developments within ODM, particularly the removal of Sifuna from his party position.

“When Sifuna was ousted as ODM SG, it morphed to Linda Mwananchi,” he said.

Following Sifuna’s ouster as ODM SG, Amisi says the movement attracted more leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.