Cracks in Linda Mwananchi deepen as Caleb Amisi crafts an exit strategy
By Mabonga Makhanu, June 10, 2026Visible cracks are beginning to emerge within the Linda Mwananchi movement despite the growing popularity the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna-led outfit has enjoyed in recent months.
The movement, which began as a platform for dissenting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members opposed to the party’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election, has steadily gained traction across the country.
What started as a small resistance group within ODM has since evolved into a broader political movement, attracting support from leaders and ordinary Kenyans beyond the party’s traditional base.
However, as its influence continues to grow, signs of internal disagreements have begun to surface.
At the centre of the emerging rift is Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, one of the movement’s most vocal and visible figures since its inception. Amisi has repeatedly claimed that he was the brains behind the idea that eventually evolved into Linda Mwananchi.
According to the lawmaker, he initially founded the Kenya Moja movement with the blessing of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga before the initiative later transformed into Linda Mwananchi.
Amisi has further claimed that he personally proposed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the movement’s leader. He argues that without the process he initiated, Sifuna’s political influence would have significantly waned following his removal as ODM Secretary-General.
In recent weeks, however, Amisi has increasingly distanced himself from the movement. He has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the direction Linda Mwananchi has taken and has announced plans to launch a new political outfit, the Renaissance Movement, also known as the People’s Movement.
“The Linda Mwananchi did not understand its initial assignment and has deviated from its original course. That is why I want to form a new movement that will continue with the struggle,” Amisi said.
People’s Renaissance Agenda
According to Amisi, the new movement will focus on ensuring the election of credible and visionary leaders to Parliament.
He argues that Linda Mwananchi has gradually abandoned the principles upon which it was founded and has instead embraced aspects of the political culture it initially sought to challenge.
The Saboti MP maintains that the Sifuna-led outfit has lost sight of its original mission. As one of the movement’s founders, he says he will continue championing its initial cause outside the Linda Mwananchi framework.
Amisi insists that the Renaissance Movement will place greater emphasis on parliamentary leadership by supporting the election of a new generation of credible lawmakers.
He argues that if efforts to prevent President William Ruto from securing a second term fail, leaders elected under the Renaissance Movement would be prepared to use constitutional mechanisms, including impeachment, to hold the administration accountable.
“We are starting a renaissance movement, what we call the people’s movement. The purpose of this movement is to ensure a new crop of leaders is elected. The goal of the movement is that I want new people in Parliament who are credible, who even when a president goes wrong,” he said.
Amisi’s Fallout With Linda Mwananchi
Amisi’s growing differences with Linda Mwananchi have also become evident through his absence from recent movement activities. Unlike previous months, when he was a regular presence at rallies and public engagements, the lawmaker has notably skipped several high-profile events.
During the recent Machakos rally, for instance, Amisi was absent and instead remained in his constituency, where he was overseeing bursary distribution programmes.
He was also absent when Linda Mwananchi principals met at an undisclosed location to formally welcome former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo into the movement.
Linda Mwananchi and Opposition Unity
Another emerging point of contention is the movement’s apparent openness to collaborating with the broader opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Several Linda Mwananchi leaders, including Sifuna, have signalled their willingness to work with other opposition formations in an effort to build a united front capable of challenging President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
Amisi, however, has strongly opposed such a move.
He argues that Linda Mwananchi was founded as a people-centred movement and should maintain its independence rather than align itself with politicians who have dominated Kenya’s political landscape for decades.
According to the Saboti MP, many of the leaders now calling for opposition unity have previously held influential positions in government and politics but have failed to deliver meaningful change despite having the opportunity to do so.
For Amisi, aligning Linda Mwananchi with established political figures risks diluting the movement’s founding ideals and undermining its appeal as an alternative political force driven by ordinary citizens rather than the traditional political class.
His recent political activities further suggest a leader charting his own path. Over the weekend, Amisi appeared to be operating independently from his Linda Mwananchi colleagues. On Sunday, June, 6, 2026, he was in Ol Kalou campaigning for Timothy Kariuki while promoting the People’s Renaissance Movement and openly donning the party’s colours.
The move raised eyebrows, particularly because Amisi had in recent months appeared to distance himself from the party despite its name and message closely mirroring the political ideals he has consistently championed.
Yet despite the growing speculation and visible signs of disagreement, Amisi has continued to insist that he remains a member of Linda Mwananchi. He maintains that he has not formally exited the movement, even as his actions and political messaging increasingly point towards a different path.
Whether these differences are merely strategic disagreements or the beginning of a deeper split remains to be seen. What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that Linda Mwananchi continues to grow and attract national attention.