Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has declared that Luhya leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement will support Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna ahead of the 2027 general election, signalling a major political shift within the opposition.

Osotsi announced the decision via his social media accounts after a strategy meeting held at the home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Sunday, July 5, 2026. The meeting brought together leaders linked to the growing Linda Mwananchi movement, which has increasingly distanced itself from the current Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership.

Osotsi said the leaders had agreed on three key resolutions as they prepare for the 2027 elections.

“The resolutions reached following a meeting held at the home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya: Luhya leaders allied to Linda Mwananchi will rally behind Nairobi Senator Edwin W. Sifuna ahead of the 2027 General Election,” Osotsi stated.

He also revealed that the group will soon unveil a new political party that will act as its official vehicle ahead of the elections.

“A party that will be used as our vehicle will be unveiled soon,” he added.

Osotsi further announced that the movement will hold a major rally in Trans Nzoia County on July 25 before moving to Bungoma County on July 26 for what he described as a major Luhya political declaration.

The announcement strengthens Sifuna’s position within the Western Kenya political bloc at a time when divisions continue to grow inside ODM over the party’s future direction and its relationship with President William Ruto and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Sifuna has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of ODM’s cooperation talks with UDA. His allies within the Linda Mwananchi movement have argued that the opposition should remain independent instead of working closely with Ruto’s administration.

The Nairobi Senator has also faced internal battles inside ODM after party leaders moved to remove him from the position of secretary-general earlier this year. The decision sparked protests from sections of Luhya leaders and elders who accused ODM officials of targeting Sifuna unfairly.

The latest declaration by Osotsi now places Sifuna at the centre of a wider political reorganisation taking shape within the opposition ahead of 2027.

Linda Mwananchi expands influence

The Linda Mwananchi movement has in recent months increased political activities across the country through rallies, town hall meetings and public forums. Leaders associated with the movement include Sifuna, Osotsi, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Babu Owino has already confirmed that he will contest the Nairobi governor seat in 2027 under a new political party linked to Linda Mwananchi instead of ODM.

Speaking during a radio interview in May, the Embakasi East MP dismissed claims that he would seek the seat through ODM.

“ODM does not exist; sahii tuko na lemon,” Babu said.

He argued that political parties are only vehicles used to achieve wider political goals and confirmed that Linda Mwananchi intends to field candidates across the country, including a presidential candidate.

His declaration exposed growing cracks within ODM, especially in Nairobi politics, where several party leaders are pushing Governor Johnson Sakaja to defect from UDA and join ODM ahead of the next election.

On Sunday, ODM Director of Elections Junet Mohamed said Sakaja would only secure a second term if he joined ODM.

“Huyo Sakaja, kama ako bado na tamaa ya kurudi kama governor hapa Nairobi, aje ODM,” Junet said during a fundraiser in Kileleshwa.

Junet also insisted that ODM remains the dominant political force in Nairobi and clarified that Babu Owino is not the party’s preferred candidate for governor.

The competing political positions now point to a possible showdown between ODM and the Linda Mwananchi movement in Nairobi and other key regions ahead of 2027.

The latest move by Osotsi and other Western Kenya leaders is aimed at consolidating the Luhya vote around younger opposition leaders while creating a new political structure outside ODM.

The rallies in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma are expected to test the influence of the Linda Mwananchi movement in the western region and could shape the opposition’s political direction ahead of the next general election.