Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has dismissed claims that Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has abandoned the Linda Mwananchi movement despite his recent criticism of its political direction.

Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the outspoken senator defended Amisi’s recent political messaging, saying Linda Mwananchi is a democratic movement where dissenting opinions are welcomed and accommodated.

“Caleb Amisi hajashuka vuguvugu la Linda Mwananchi sisi ni wana democrasia; lazima watu waruhusiwe kutoa maoni yao na mtazamo yao na jinai ambayo wanaona, na vile najua sijaona Amisi akisema tutam,” Sifuna stated.

Sifuna argued that the movement cannot criticise the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for suppressing dissenting voices only to replicate the same culture within Linda Mwananchi.

Although Amisi has in recent weeks openly criticised the movement’s political direction and hinted at charting his own path, Sifuna maintained that the Saboti MP has neither declared allegiance to the government nor joined the TUTAM camp.

His remarks come amid growing differences within the Linda Mwananchi movement. Amisi recently criticised Sifuna, accusing him of failing to heed advice and being “full of himself”. He also announced plans to part ways with the movement and form his own political outfit, saying it would champion the ideals that Linda Mwananchi was originally established to pursue but has since abandoned.

Amisi’s reservation

Amisi further faulted the movement over its willingness to enter into a political pact with the United Opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election. According to him, such a move goes against the wishes of Kenyans, who are demanding a complete break from what he described as legacy politicians, including those aligned with the United Alternative Government.

The Saboti MP rejected the proposal to work with the opposition coalition, insisting that he would rather be left behind than support a political alliance that, in his view, does not represent the change Kenyans are seeking.

Orengo slams Amisi

Siaya Governor James Orengo, a key figure within the Linda Mwananchi movement, has also taken a swipe at Caleb Amisi over his stance on Linda Mwananchi’s proposal to form a pact with its opposition counterparts, terming it hypocritical.

Orengo questioned why he and other Linda Mwananchi movement leaders have not attended any United Opposition rallies, yet Amisi has been attending them while at the same time criticising the movement for expressing interest in joining hands with the coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.