Makau Mutua warns Linda Mwananchi after pulling massive crowds
By Sharon Atieno, July 25, 2026Law professor and political commentator Makau Mutua has warned the Linda Mwananchi movement against celebrating its early political momentum, cautioning that it could lead to disappointment.
In a post on his X account on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Mutua appeared to take a swipe at the movement’s growing visibility and political activities across the country.
“I see my Linda Mwananchi compadres having serious stage organisms,” Mutua wrote.
“Warning peaking too early is a recipe for prematurity and colossal disappointment,” he added.
The remarks came as the opposition-backed movement intensified its mobilisation in Western Kenya, with a high-profile tour of Trans Nzoia County on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Orengo, Faith Odhiambo join Western Kenya tour
Siaya Governor James Orengo and former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo are among the leaders who attended the Linda Mwananchi rally in Trans Nzoia County on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Orengo, who travelled alongside Faith Odhiambo, media personality Willis Raburu and political strategist Brian Weke, announced their departure in a post on X.
“Trans Nzoia here we come!” Orengo stated.
The team made stopovers at Moi’s Bridge and Sibanga before addressing a major rally in Kitale town.
The tour is part of Linda Mwananchi’s wider effort to expand its political base ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Western Kenya emerging as a key battleground for competing political formations.
Sifuna rejects wealthy backers
The movement’s growing mobilisation comes as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna insists that Linda Mwananchi will rely on contributions from ordinary Kenyans rather than wealthy individuals.
Speaking during the tour of Trans Nzoia County on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Sifuna said the movement had raised Ksh3 million through its paybill in less than three days.
“Wanasema hatuna pesa lakini watu wa Kitale wacha niwaambie, nimeona ma Ksh10bob zenu kwa paybill yetu ya Linda Mwananchi. Chini ya siku tatu, tumefikisha shilingi milioni tatu kwa paybill. Sisi hatutaenda kutafuta pesa ya ufisadi,” Sifuna said.
Sifuna has also rejected an offer by Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli to help raise Ksh1 billion for his presidential campaign.
“Sai anasema yeye ndiye ako na one billion ati anaweza pea Sifuna. Mimi sitaki pesa yako, mzee. I do not need that money. Let Kenyans continue giving me money,” Sifuna said.
“I would rather be indebted to Kenyans because they gave me Ksh10 than Atwoli.”
Money is not the answer
Sifuna has argued that money alone cannot guarantee electoral success, citing the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
“Wanasema eti hatuna pesa. Watu wa Ol Kalou wameonyesha ya kwamba hiyo pesa yenu haiwezi saidia. Pesa is not the answer,” he said.
The movement is expected to continue its Western Kenya engagements with a major rally in Bungoma on Sunday, where Sifuna is expected to headline what organisers have described as his homecoming.
The tour brings together politicians and professionals who say they are advocating constitutional governance, accountability and people-centred leadership.
As Linda Mwananchi expands its national footprint and attracts prominent political figures, Mutua’s warning has raised questions over whether the movement’s early momentum can be sustained as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.