MP Joshua Kimilu invokes Kalonzo–Raila ties in his shift to Linda Mwananchi
By Mustafa Juma, April 25, 2026Kaiti Member of Parliament (MP) Joshua Kimilu has invoked the long-standing political relationship between the late Raila Odinga and Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka to justify his shift to the Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi camp.
Speaking during a charged Linda Mwananchi rally in Luanda, Vihiga County, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, Kimilu, who was elected on a Wiper Democratic Movement ticket, framed his move as a continuation of historical political cooperation between opposition heavyweights rather than a defection.
“Nilichaguliwa kule Ukambani kwa chama cha Wiper lakini nikajiunga na Linda Mwananchi kwa sababu hata nyinyi mnajua vile Baba (Raila Odinga) na Kalonzo walikuwa marafiki,” Kimilu told the crowd.
Kimilu’s remarks leaned heavily on the legacy of political cooperation between Odinga and Musyoka, two figures who have, at different moments, formed key alliances in Kenya’s opposition politics.
He suggested that his presence alongside prominent Linda Mwananchi figures at the rally, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, would be welcomed by Odinga.
“Popole pale Baba yuko, akiona Kimilu anatembea na Babu, Orengo, na Osotsi, anafurahia,” he said.
Cost of living
Beyond the political messaging, Kimilu anchored his speech on economic concerns, particularly the rising cost of living, which has become a central theme of the Linda Mwananchi rallies.
He pointed to the upcoming reopening of schools and the financial strain on parents, linking the situation to increased fuel prices.
Kimilu directly addressed President William Ruto, blaming his administration for the fuel hikes and issuing a symbolic political warning.
“Tunajua shule zinafunguliwa Monday na wazazi wanalia kwasababu mafuta imepanda, gharama ya maisha ikaenda juu. Na kwasababu Ruto wewe imepandisha mafuta, mimi kama Kimilu nakupatia red card,” he said.
Linda Mwananchi momentum
The Luanda rally is part of a growing series of opposition gatherings under the Linda Mwananchi banner, which have increasingly drawn leaders from different regions and political backgrounds.
The Linda Mwananchi brigade is scheduled to stage a similar rally in Kisumu on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga on Friday, April 24, 2026, strongly condemned attempts by some leaders to block the planned rally in Kisumu, warning that such actions undermine constitutional freedoms and threaten party unity within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Taking to her official Facebook account, Ruth took issue with remarks by an unnamed Member of Parliament who had publicly declared that the upcoming Linda Mwananchi rally would not be allowed to proceed in the lakeside city.
“It is deeply regrettable that an elected Member of Parliament would publicly declare that a political rally will not be allowed to happen in Kisumu,” she said.
She emphasised that freedom of movement, association, and expression are enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution and cannot be curtailed by political actors.