Sifuna team reaches out to Matiang’i as allies drift towards Linda Mwananchi

The unease follows a wave of endorsements for Sifuna's presidential bid by several leaders previously regarded as Matiang'i's political allies, particularly from the Gusii region.

The invitation was extended on Wednesday during a strategy meeting at Matiang'i's office, where leaders also discussed the need for a united opposition ahead of next year's general election.

Other leaders in the meeting were senators Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira), his Kisii counterpart Richard Onyonka, MPs Antoney Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Wilberforce Oundo (Funyula), Obaddiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu) and Danson Mwashako (Wundanyi).

The talks came a day after Matiang'i held a separate meeting with Linda Mwananchi leaders from the Gusii region in an apparent bid to ease tensions within his camp following the growing shift of his allies towards Sifuna.

Sources who attended Tuesday's meeting described it as tense, with lawmakers defending their decision to support the Linda Mwananchi movement while urging Matiang'i to recognise it as a key political force within the opposition.

"We explained why we have remained in Linda Mwananchi and also asked him to recognise the movement so that we can work together," one of the lawmakers who attended the meeting told The Star.

Speaking after Wednesday's meeting, Osotsi confirmed that the delegation had formally invited Matiang'i to attend the twin rallies in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties.

Osotsi said the planned homecoming for Sifuna would provide an opportunity for leaders across the opposition to demonstrate solidarity.

"We went to invite him to Bungoma and Trans Nzoia as a member of the broader opposition and to emphasise the importance of the larger Western region coming together," Osotsi told The Star.

"You know the Kisii, Kuria, Luhya, Luo and Teso communities coming together is very important. The main objective is to strengthen the opposition and ensure we have an easier path in 2027."

He added that the rallies would signal the political direction of the Western region.

"Bungoma and Trans Nzoia are going to show the country where the Western region is heading. There shouldn't be too much reading into it," he said.

Omogeni echoed the call for regional unity, saying the discussions centred on building a broader political alliance across Western Kenya.

"As someone who attended the meeting, we are working towards a Western Kavirondo Alliance. We want to unite the Abagusii, Luo and Luhya nations. That was always Raila Odinga's approach to politics—that the entire Western bloc should move together. That was the gist of the meeting," Omogeni said.

Osotsi said the Linda Mwananchi movement had taken it upon itself to spearhead efforts to unite opposition leaders under a common agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.

"As Linda Mwananchi, we are going to be the driving force in uniting the entire opposition. Next week we will hold similar meetings with Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua and the other principals to emphasise the need for all of us to come together," he said.

"When we traversed the country, the message from Kenyans was clear—they want one united opposition. We do not want to disappoint them. It will be easier and quicker if we all work together."

He disclosed that the movement would next week hold separate consultations with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua as momentum builds towards forging a united opposition front for the 2027 elections

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The invitation was extended on Wednesday during a strategy meeting with the former powerful Cabinet Secretary, where the leaders also deliberated on the need for opposition unity.