BUSIA, Kenya – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on Friday led the Linda Mwananchi Brigade to Busia County, where he urged residents to rally behind his 2027 presidential bid while launching a fresh attack on President William Ruto's administration over the economy, healthcare, governance and development.

Addressing supporters in Butula during a rally attended by several leaders allied to the movement, Sifuna described Busia as the birthplace of the Linda Mwananchi movement and thanked residents for what he termed years of unwavering political support.

"This movement started here in Busia. I have come here with a heart full of gratitude because you have stood with me throughout my political journey," Sifuna told the crowd.

The opposition politician maintained that the movement's objective is to provide an alternative leadership for the country in the 2027 General Election, arguing that Kenya needs a new direction after what he described as the shortcomings of the current administration.

Criticism of Ruto administration

Sifuna accused President Ruto's government of failing to address the rising cost of living, youth unemployment and healthcare challenges, saying the administration had fallen short of the expectations that brought it to power in 2022.

He claimed the government had prioritised political projects over the immediate needs of ordinary Kenyans, citing concerns over healthcare financing and the implementation of affordable housing projects.

Referring to the government's Social Health Authority (SHA), Sifuna argued that its success should be measured by whether Kenyans can access treatment without being turned away from hospitals, rather than by the number of people registered.

"The measure of success is not how many people have been registered. The measure is whether Kenyans can walk into hospitals and receive treatment without fundraising," he said.

He also criticised the government's long-term development agenda, saying the administration should first fulfil its existing promises before unveiling new national plans.

Courts, democracy and political freedoms

The Nairobi Senator further accused the government of attempting to frustrate the registration and operations of the Linda Mwananchi movement, warning that the group would stage demonstrations if it encountered what he described as administrative obstacles.

He argued that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to form and participate in a political party, citing Article 38 of the Constitution on political rights.

Appeal to Western Kenya voters

Much of the rally focused on consolidating support in Western Kenya ahead of the next General Election.

Sifuna appealed to residents of Busia and the wider Western region to unite behind what he called a new generation of leadership, saying the region should play a central role in determining Kenya's next political direction.

Several leaders who addressed the rally echoed calls for generational change and urged residents to register as voters and participate in the 2027 elections.

The speakers also criticised leaders from the Western region currently serving in government, claiming the region had not received adequate development despite supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration. They further accused the government of failing to deliver on infrastructure, industrialisation and economic promises made during the 2022 campaigns.

Human rights concerns

Sifuna also raised concerns over recent incidents of police brutality and the deaths of young people during protests, calling for accountability and respect for the rule of law.

He said any future government under his leadership would prioritise constitutionalism, justice and the protection of civil liberties.

Call for political change

The rally concluded with Sifuna urging supporters to mobilise across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election, expressing confidence that the Linda Mwananchi movement would continue expanding beyond its traditional support bases.

Friday's Busia meeting is part of a series of political rallies the movement has been holding across the country as it seeks to build momentum ahead of the next election cycle.

President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration have consistently defended their record, saying ongoing reforms in healthcare, affordable housing, infrastructure and economic recovery are designed to improve livelihoods despite current economic challenges.