Faith Odhiambo: Linda Mwananchi will unveil its political party this year
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 20, 2026Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has hinted that the Linda Mwananchi movement will transition into a political party before the end of the year.
Speaking during an interview aired on a local media station on Monday, July 20, 2026, the outspoken human rights defender, who recently aligned herself with the Edwin Sifuna-led movement, said plans to transform the outfit into a political party are underway.
Odhiambo, however, noted that the party could undergo a few adjustments before its official launch, adding that it may not necessarily retain the Linda Mwananchi name.
“The party might not necessarily bear the name Linda Mwananchi, but we intend to unveil it soon, this year.”
This comes days after the Linda Mwananchi movement announced plans to formally break away from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), marking a new chapter in the opposition’s political reorganisation ahead of the 2027 general election.
Political party formation
The announcement was made during the movement’s grassroots tour of Taita Taveta County on Saturday, July 18, 2026, where leaders addressed supporters in Mwatate, Wundanyi and Voi.
Speaking during the tour, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, who also doubles up as the outfit’s spokesperson, said the movement had reached a point where it could no longer remain within ODM.
“It has now become necessary that we dissolve the bonds that we have had with the Orange Democratic Movement. It is now time to break away from ODM,” Omondi declared.
He also criticised the party’s current direction, saying, “ODM has betrayed not just Raila but the ideas he stood for.”
Addressing President William Ruto, Omondi added: “Stop telling the Registrar of Political Parties not to approve the registration of the Linda Mwananchi party.”
Sifuna’s presidential ambitions
This also comes days after Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna signalled the possibility of vying for the presidency in 2027.
“Walingoja baba yangu Raila akufe; wakakuja wakaninyanganya kila kitu. Siku hizi siitwi SG tena, siitwi naibu wa kiranja… lakini vijana wameniita, na ninatoka kwa SG to H.E. President,” he told the gathering.
The outfit in the offing is also being heavily lauded by western Kenyan leaders allied to Sifuna, saying it will be the party of the community will use in 2027