Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has defended the growing crowds attending rallies organised by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi faction, insisting that the turnout reflects genuine public support rather than paid mobilisation.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on the night of Sunday, March 29, 2026, Kalonzo pointed to the turnout in Tononoka, Mombasa, at the Linda Mwananchi rally, saying it was evidence of a spontaneous, organic movement driven largely by young people.

According to Kalonzo, Sifuna and his team don’t have the money to rent such crowds.

“In our case, Kenyans come out, look at what happened today in Tononoka. I believe those young Kenyans came out because Sifuna and team do not have that kind of money to rent a crowd,” Kalonzo said.

Frustration among the youth

Kalonzo further attributed the large numbers at the rallies organised by the opposition wings to growing frustration among the youth and a desire for political change, noting that the movement is gaining traction without financial incentives.

He said initiatives such as the Tuko Kadi movement reflected a new wave of political engagement, with supporters signalling readiness to participate actively in upcoming elections.

“They say William Ruto said shoot them on the legs; I tell them to shoot William Ruto at the ballot, and they are ready, and that is why they said Tuko Kadi,” he said.

The Linda Mwananchi faction, associated with Sifuna, has in recent weeks held a series of rallies and political engagements, attracting significant public attention amid internal wrangles within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Linda Mwananchi’s next move

On Sunday, March 29, 2026, Sifuna and his team stormed Mombasa, drawing a large crowd at Tononoka grounds.

During the rally, Sifuna revealed that the next course of action that the Linda Mwananchi group is going to take politically will be determined by the number of people who will have registered under the “Sisi ndio Sifuna” movement through their official digital platform.

He encouraged the rally attendees to sign up online to help quantify support ahead of future political activities.

“We want you to go online and register so we know how many we are. There is a number we are waiting to reach, and once we get there, we will announce our next steps,” Sifuna said.

He further dismissed claims that the opposition lacks numbers, urging supporters to demonstrate their strength visibly.