Kioni: Linda Mwananchi has taken over United Opposition’s mobilisation role
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 6, 2026Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni has said the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi movement has gradually taken over the mobilisation role that the United Opposition initially played.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Monday, July 6, 2026, the outspoken former Ndaragwa MP said the United Opposition had primarily been formed as a mobilisation vehicle but argued that Linda Mwananchi had since become the movement generating greater public enthusiasm.
“You see, I talked about the United Opposition as an organising, not organising, a mobilising unit. That role has been taken over by Linda Mwananchi.”
Kioni explained that while some people may perceive the United Opposition as having become less visible, it still has an important role to play. According to him, Linda Mwananchi has become the more exciting movement, attracting greater public interest and media attention, and is currently leading opposition mobilisation across the country.
He claimed that the movement’s growing influence was evident in the attention it was receiving, adding that this was why, in his view, its members were increasingly becoming targets of attacks by goons.
However, Kioni stressed that the responsibility of organising how the opposition would capture power still rests with the United Opposition, saying mobilisation alone is not enough to win an election.
“No, they have, but there’s a… there’s more excitement with leader Mwanaichi. Okay, for sure. Even when you are reporting, there is more excitement. I can actually see why even goons are being unleashed on them. They are now the ones that are exciting the country in terms of mobilising, but in terms of organising for who, how we take over power is united opposition; there is where it comes in.”
Essence of political parties
He further argued that political parties remain central to Kenya’s democratic process because they are recognised under the law.
According to Kioni, while supporters may participate in citizen-led movements such as Linda Mwananchi, they must ultimately belong to a registered political party, as parties remain the official vehicles through which candidates contest elections and form governments.
Linda Mwananchi Opposition merger
The collaboration has recently been demonstrated by Linda Mwananchi’s announcement that it will support the United Opposition’s candidate in the forthcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, signalling closer cooperation between the two opposition formations as they seek to strengthen their challenge ahead of the 2027 general election.