The unanimous endorsement of Nairobi County Senator Edwin Sifuna as Linda Mwananchi’s 2027 presidential candidate draws a sharp battle line for the upcoming election.

As the former ODM secretary general steps up to lead the movement, this unified front could entirely reshape the race against the current regime.

Sifuna will also in early October lead the unveiling of the Linda Mwananchi party on whose ticket he will run. The movement inevitably said it is also inclined to support Babu Owino for the gubernatorial seat.

“We met as the leadership of Linda Mwananchi and resolved to move forward together, united by a common purpose of answering the call of Kenyans seeking better governance and rescuing our country from the grave failures of the current administration,” Linda Mwananchi says in a statement issued on Saturday, September 26.

In the past one year, Senator Sifuna has drastically disrupted the presidecy race, and now has the blessings of the Linda Mwananchi movement, but does he have what it takes to be Kenya’s president?

Sifuna has been leveraging on Gen Zs and young peoples’ support, good will from experienced leads, and his vocal opposition to government policies to drive his political agenda.

In the meantime , with the exception of a few (such as Ukombozi Alliance leader Kalonzo Musyoka who clearly clashed with Linda Mwananchi camp over rebranding of Azimio to Ukombozi), majority of opposition leaders led by People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua are already promoting building of strong collaboration.

Ms. Karua is really invested on the impact of opposition saying it is a workable safeguard and that such an approach will give the incumbent president William Ruto a run for his money.

Her thinking is that building a coalition with like-minded parties and individuals ahead of 2027 will at any given time boost the pulse of opposition unity.

To the presidential aspirant, there should be no condition for leaders willing to cross over to the opposition side.

“Stop closing the door for people wishing to join… Even on the last day, whoever will come will (be) accepted,” Karua says, the seriousness showing on her face.