Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has stated that many pro-government MPs privately support his Linda Mwananchi movement but are afraid to join it at the moment for fear of retaliation from President William Ruto.

Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the Linda Mwananchi team leader said most of these legislators have development projects in their constituencies that were initiated by the national government.

According to Sifuna, they fear that crossing over to the opposition could see those projects withheld.

“Many of them support us privately, but they are afraid to come out because they fear that President William Ruto might withdraw development projects from their constituencies,” Sifuna said.

The senator further revealed that despite their concerns, several of the MPs have assured him that they will decamp and fully embrace the Linda Mwananchi movement when they believe the political timing is right.

Leaders who have joined Linda Mwananchi

The Linda Mwananchi movement, which initially comprised rebels from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has in recent months been attracting leaders from other political parties and formations.

The movement recently received a major boost after Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata defected from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), joined the outfit and announced the end of his political relationship with the ruling party.

It also gained another high-profile member after former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo joined the movement and declared her interest in vying for a political seat in Nairobi County.

Former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter has also joined the movement, further strengthening its ranks.

Manyora’s view

The growing influx of leaders from different political backgrounds has drawn the attention of political analysts such as Herman Manyora, with some arguing that the movement is gradually acquiring the national outlook it has long sought.

According to the analyst, the Sifuna-led outfit initially appeared to be a Luo-Luhya political initiative, but it is steadily evolving into a broader national political movement as it attracts leaders from across the country.

“For Linda Monainchi, Alfred Keter would be a big, big catch. I have not heard it, but if it has happened, then it is quite something for them,” Manyora stated.

“That basically means it is mainly concentrated in Western Kenya — the Kisii, Luo, and Luhya regions. Of course, it has a presence across the country. Therefore, the entry of Alfred Keter and others from outside the traditional ODM strongholds will give it the national face that it appears to be seeking,” he added