Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has dismissed claims that he intends to challenge the legality of the Linda Mwananchi Movement, describing a statement circulating on social media as misinformation.
Omtatah distanced himself from a digital card attributed to him, which suggested that he had opposed the movement’s recent unveiling and was preparing to take legal action against it.
The senator said the statement was fabricated and intended to attract attention online rather than communicate his actual position on the political developments surrounding the movement.
“This is clearly misinformation, seemingly intended to generate clicks and online engagement,” he said.
The digital card, which circulated on Saturday, October 31, claimed that Omtatah had dismissed the launch of Linda Mwananchi as insignificant to Kenya’s political landscape and threatened to challenge its legality in the coming weeks.
However, the message was attributed to “Okiya Omutatah”, with his surname misspelt, further raising questions about its authenticity.
Omtatah rejected the remarks and maintained that he preferred engaging in political and public discussions through reasoned arguments rather than personal attacks or unnecessary exchanges.
“However, I prefer to engage on issues with facts, reason and mutual respect. I do not trade in insults or descend into unnecessary exchanges. That is simply not my style,” he said.
His clarification came a day after the Linda Mwananchi Movement unveiled its new headquarters in Nairobi’s Lavington area, marking another step in its efforts to establish a formal political structure ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Friday, October 30, ceremony was led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and attracted several opposition leaders, including Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
The unveiling marked a significant development for Sifuna, who has been seeking to consolidate his political influence and position himself as a possible joint presidential candidate for the opposition against President William Ruto in the next election.
The movement, previously associated with The Equitable Party (TEP), emerged following Sifuna’s fallout with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over the party’s support for Ruto’s re-election bid.
During the unveiling, opposition leaders signalled continued negotiations over the formation of a united political front, with Kalonzo indicating that a joint presidential candidate would be announced on November 13, 2026.
The movement has also been working towards establishing its leadership structures and expanding its presence across the country as political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.
