Tuju: It would be stupid if Linda Mwananchi doesn’t merge with United Opposition ahead of 2027
By Mabonga Makhanu, May 2, 2026Embattled former minister and Jubilee secretary general Raphael Tuju has come out to state that it would be stupid if the Linda Mwananchi movement does not merge with the United Opposition.
Speaking during an interview on Herman Manyora’s podcast aired on Friday, May 1, 2026, Tuju emphasised that opposition unity is the only viable path to unseating William Ruto.
“It will be stupid if Linda Mwananchi does not join hands with the United Opposition ahead of 2027.”
Tuju also, who despite his current legal woes and health challenges was recently seen in Kisumu during the Linda Mwananchi rally, exuded confidence in the Edwin Sifuna-led team.
He argued that despite Sifuna being born in Bungoma, he was able to marshal huge crowds in Kisumu because his politics revolve around issues, unlike many other politicians.
Linda Mwananchi-Opposition merger
This comes at a time when a merger between the United Opposition and the Linda Mwananchi team no longer appears far-fetched.
Leaders from both camps have been speaking in a manner that suggests their paths could converge in the near future. Sifuna who was recently spotted with George Natembeya and Godfrey Osotsi.
Has argued that there is a common understanding among Kenyans that, for them to win the 2027 general election, all camps that believe Ruto should serve only one term must approach the polls as a united front.
He referenced the 2022 general election, where Ruto won by a narrow margin of about 200,000 votes, saying he does not want a repeat in 2027 due to opposition disunity.
He also stated that he does not want to be part of a vote-splitting arrangement that has cost the opposition in the past.
The outspoken Nairobi Senator further noted that their paths with the United Opposition will eventually intersect, allowing them to work together as a joint force. He encouraged the Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka-led camp to continue with their efforts as his team does the same.
Mukhisa Kituyi’s perspective
United Opposition spokesperson Mukhisa Kituyi has also made remarks suggesting a possible merger.
While hosting Bukusu elders at his Mbalako home, where he introduced Sifuna to them, Kituyi stated that the forum marked Sifuna’s official welcome into their fold as they pursued what he termed the “fourth liberation”, which he described as economic liberation.
He added that a team within the United Opposition, led by former minister Kipruto Arap Kirwa, is working on a framework that could pave the way for the Sifuna team to join and form an integrated opposition.
Gachagua courts the Sifuna team
He stated that, just like the United Opposition principals who harbour presidential ambitions, if the Linda Mwananchi team has a preferred candidate, his side would be willing to shelve their ambitions and support that candidate for the presidency.