Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has dismissed a proposed leadership structure for the soon-to-be-unveiled Linda Mwananchi party that was recently hinted at by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Speaking during an interview with Western Kenya media stations on Friday, July 24, 2026, the outspoken Linda Mwananchi movement leader dismissed the speculation, saying it was only natural for different people to try to influence the party in a manner that favours their own interests.

However, he insisted that no one had the authority to determine the party’s leadership before consultations were held.

“Waswahili husema kila mwamba ngoma huvuta kwake, na pia mimi naeza kuenda kwenye podcast na niseme chama ambacho tutakiunda niseme mtu Fulani atkuwa party leader mwingine atakuwa ile. Linda mwananchi haitakuwa choir kama broad-based; kila mtu anaruhusiwa kutoa maoni yake. Tutakaa chini na tukubaliane.”

Sifuna said the movement would only settle on its leadership when the appropriate time comes, adding that members would sit down and collectively agree on who should occupy the various positions.

He maintained that the Linda Mwananchi party would be founded on democratic principles, where leaders are chosen through consultation and consensus rather than being imposed by individuals.

“When the right time comes, we will sit down and agree on who takes which position because this will be a democratic party. It will not be a dictatorial party,” Sifuna said.

Linda Mwanananchi’s lineup

His remarks come days after Babu Owino publicly outlined what he claimed would be the leadership structure of the proposed Linda Mwananchi party ahead of its official unveiling.

According to the Embakasi East legislator, he would serve as the party leader, while Siaya Governor James Orengo would become the party patron. Owino also claimed that the position of secretary-general would be held by a leader from the Western Kenya region. while the chairperson will be drawn from either the Central or Coast region to ensure regional balance.

“Tuko na baba wetu Orengo, atakuwa Patron wa chama… Hii chama itabeba wana-Coast, itabeba wana-Central Region, itabeba wana-North Eastern, itabeba kabila zote. Hii si regional party. Hii ni national party,” he said.

Owino also said the deputy party leader has already been identified through the Linda Mwananchi Movement, although he did not reveal the person’s identity.

Linda Mwananchi party

This comes days after former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has hinted that the Linda Mwananchi movement will transition into a political party before the end of the year.

Speaking during an interview aired on a local media station on Monday, July 20, 2026, the outspoken human rights defender, who recently aligned herself with the Edwin Sifuna-led movement, said plans to transform the outfit into a political party are underway.

Idhiambo, however, noted that the party could undergo a few adjustments before its official launch, adding that it may not necessarily retain the Linda Mwananchi name.

“The party might not necessarily bear the name Linda Mwananchi, but we intend to unveil it soon, this year.”