Africa-Press – Kenya. Tens of thousands of supporters of the Kenyan opposition coalition “Linda Muananchi,” which means “Protecting Citizens,” gathered in the capital Nairobi in response to a call from several prominent opposition figures. This marked the coalition’s first large gathering in the capital, less than a year before the presidential elections scheduled for 2027.
The neighborhoods of Nairobi, particularly the Gikambura area, witnessed a massive turnout, with opposition supporters waving flags and chanting anti-government slogans. The events were characterized by a festive and calm atmosphere, despite the political tension in the country.
The “Linda Muananchi” procession moved through the streets of the capital, with James Orengo, Babu Owino, and Edwin Sifuna appearing on car rooftops, holding hands in front of crowds of supporters. Sifuna, a senator from Nairobi, is seen as a rising figure within the coalition, gaining increasing support, especially among the youth.
Police accompanied the procession as it moved through the streets of Nairobi, with many armed officers stationed along the route. However, the situation remained calm, and no disturbances were reported during the gathering.
This event follows disturbances at a previous gathering of the “Linda Muananchi” coalition in Ouma Bay in western Kenya last August, where violence erupted involving vandals and police, resulting in the deaths of four people.
Despite this, the coalition managed to mobilize a large number of its supporters in the capital this time, presenting what it described as a clear display of political strength ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
Activist Linda Oguino sees no issue with the presence of several prominent figures within the coalition competing for leadership, describing it as part of the democratic space. She stated that Babu Owino has great mobilization ability, while Edwin Sifuna possesses charisma, and James Orengo has political experience, expressing her belief that these figures will unite when the time comes to choose the right candidate.
Edwin Sifuna’s name is increasingly prominent within the movement, having defected from the historic opposition party “Orange Democratic Movement” (ODM). Oguino believes that many coalition supporters are rallying behind Sifuna, especially due to his youth, noting that Kenyan youth want “change,” after previous elections were dominated by candidates and parties led by older politicians.
As the movement’s popularity rises, its political agenda is still taking shape, but its current rhetoric primarily focuses on ending President William Ruto’s term after just one presidential cycle.
During the gathering, one of the movement’s leaders chanted a slogan directed at President Ruto, saying, “William Ruto, you are about to become the first president of the Republic of Kenya to serve only one term.”
The slogan “One term” has gained widespread popularity among opposition supporters, evolving into a new term in the Sheng language, a colloquial language commonly spoken in Nairobi, where the word “Wantam” has emerged, inspiring several songs and political slogans circulating among opposition supporters.
