Sifuna Taps Kawira Mwangaza, Godfrey Osotsi for Key Linda Mwananchi Party Roles

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is assembling a team of familiar political figures as he moves to turn the Linda Mwananchi Movement into an organised political party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The proposed line-up, unveiled on Friday, October 30, includes former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza as a deputy party leader and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as national chairperson.

Other prominent names include former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.

The announcement came during the launch of the movement’s secretariat and headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi. The team is seeking to establish a national political structure capable of managing campaigns, party nominations and negotiations with other opposition groups.

But the proposed appointments are not yet final. Sifuna said the names would be presented to the National Delegates Conference (NDC) for consideration and endorsement.

Mwangaza, Odhiambo and Makau proposed as deputies

Under the proposed structure, the party would have one leader and four deputy party leaders.

Mwangaza, Makau and Odhiambo have been proposed for three of the deputy positions. The fourth slot has been reserved for a representative from the Coast region.

Explaining the arrangement, Sifuna said the team wanted a leadership structure that reflected different regions and political interests.

“We will be proposing that we structure the party so that we have a party leader and four deputies. For now, we have resolved that Kawira Mwangaza has decided to be one of the party leaders,” he said.

The proposal brings together politicians with different political backgrounds. Mwangaza previously served as Meru governor, while Makau represents Mavoko in Parliament. Odhiambo previously led the Law Society of Kenya.

Their proposed roles could help the movement broaden its political reach, although the final composition will depend on the delegates’ decision.

Osotsi, Omondi and Onyonka given senior roles

Osotsi has been proposed as national chairperson, with former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo named as his deputy.

Omondi, who represents Suba South, has been proposed as Secretary-General. Pauline Njoroge is expected to serve as his deputy.

Onyonka has been proposed as national treasurer, with Abigael Gikonyo as deputy treasurer.

The other proposed appointments include Kari Karani as Organising Secretary and Francy Kadide as Secretary for Legal Affairs.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has also been proposed for the position of Secretary for Political Affairs.

In the party’s proposed special-interest structures, Caroline Mayuzu has been named for the women’s league, while Fridah Onduso has been proposed to lead the youth league.

Torome Nalengoyo, the immediate former Narok ODM chairperson, has been proposed as the party’s representative for minority affairs.

Eunice Juma has been proposed as Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, while Gilbert Shanga is lined up for the international affairs portfolio.

Sifuna’s team faces the challenge of building a national party

The proposed leadership comes as the movement attempts to move beyond political rallies and public mobilisation towards building a functioning party.

In September, Linda Mwananchi leaders settled on Sifuna as their preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 election. The group also agreed to seek cooperation with like-minded political parties.

The movement has since taken steps to establish its own political vehicle through The Equitable Party (TEP), which it is seeking to rebrand as Linda Mwananchi Movement.

The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties approved reservation of the Linda Mwananchi Movement name on October 1, following a ruling by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal. The reservation was granted for 90 days, allowing the group to proceed with the next stages of the process.

The distinction is important: approval to reserve a party name is not, by itself, confirmation that all registration and rebranding requirements have been completed.

The movement has also faced the challenge of keeping its wider political alliance together. Some prominent figures have pursued separate political vehicles. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has moved towards the Mwananchi Party, while Siaya Governor James Orengo has launched the Liberal Democratic Party.

Their political choices raise questions about how the different groups will coordinate their ambitions, especially over nominations, alliances and the distribution of elective seats.

November 13 convention will be a key test

The movement has scheduled its National Delegates Conference for November 13, when delegates are expected to consider the proposed leadership and complete key steps in the party’s reorganisation.

The convention will be an important test of whether the team can turn its political support into a stable party structure.

A functioning party will need more than senior officials. It will require county-level organisation, clear nomination procedures, a credible fundraising strategy and a programme that can attract voters beyond the movement’s existing support base.

For Sifuna, the immediate task is to secure approval for the proposed leadership while keeping allies together.

The 2027 election is approaching, and the movement will need to demonstrate that it can operate as a national political organisation before it can make a serious claim to challenge established parties.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.