Former minister and Jubilee secretary general Raphael Tuju has asserted that it would be unwise for the Linda Mwananchi movement to avoid merging with the United Opposition. During an interview on Herman Manyora’s podcast on May 1, 2026, Tuju emphasized that uniting the opposition is crucial for unseating William Ruto.
“It would be unwise for Linda Mwananchi to not collaborate with the United Opposition ahead of the 2027 elections,” he stated. Despite facing legal and health challenges, Tuju recently attended a Linda Mwananchi rally in Kisumu, expressing confidence in the leadership of Edwin Sifuna.
Tuju noted that Sifuna, despite his Bungoma roots, attracted large crowds in Kisumu due to his focus on substantive issues, setting him apart from many politicians.
The prospect of a merger between the United Opposition and Linda Mwananchi appears increasingly plausible. Leaders from both factions have begun to hint at a potential alliance. Sifuna, recently seen with George Natembeya and Godfrey Osotsi, highlighted a shared understanding among Kenyans that unity is essential for defeating Ruto in 2027.
He recalled the narrow margin by which Ruto won the 2022 election, stressing the need to avoid a repeat of opposition disunity. Sifuna expressed his desire to prevent a vote-splitting scenario that has hindered the opposition in the past.
The Nairobi Senator further asserted that the paths of the Linda Mwananchi movement and the United Opposition will converge, enabling them to collaborate effectively. He encouraged the camps led by Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka to continue their efforts alongside his team.
United Opposition spokesperson Mukhisa Kituyi echoed sentiments of a potential merger. While hosting Bukusu elders at his Mbalako home, he officially welcomed Sifuna into their fold, emphasizing their pursuit of what he termed the “fourth liberation,” focusing on economic freedom.
Kituyi revealed that a group within the United Opposition, led by former minister Kipruto Arap Kirwa, is developing a framework to facilitate Sifuna’s team joining and forming a cohesive opposition.
In a parallel move, Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has invited the Sifuna team to consider joining their camp. He indicated a willingness to set aside presidential ambitions to support a candidate favored by Linda Mwananchi.
