Leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement intensified their calls for national unity and political change during a rally in Thika, with Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata urging the movement to broaden its coalition by bringing together all leaders willing to champion the interests of ordinary Kenyans.
Addressing supporters at Kivulini Grounds in Makongeni area in Thika, Kang’ata said he had joined the gathering because he believed Kenya's future depended on unity and a people-centered agenda.
“Nimekuja hapa kwa sababu naamini Kenya ni kitu kimoja, sisi ni wamoja. Linda Mwananchi ndiyo imeleta Wakenya pamoja,” he said.
The governor called for greater investment in sectors that directly impacted citizens' livelihoods, including manufacturing, healthcare and education.
“We must give priority to companies that support our economy because they create jobs for our people. We also need to prioritise healthcare and education. Our people deserve better schools and better medical services,” Kang’ata said.
He proposed that funds collected through the Housing Levy should instead be directed towards strengthening public education, including making day secondary school education absolutely free.
“Many counties are struggling to provide quality healthcare for lack of payment to hospitals by the Social Health Authority (SHA). More resources should be allocated to improve health services and ensure Kenyans receive the treatment they deserve,” he added.
Kang’ata further appealed to the Linda Mwananchi Movement to reach out to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders in an effort to build a broad-based coalition.
“Let us bring everyone on board so that together we can restore Kenya's glory,” he said.
(RELATED STORY: AIPCA Thika Cathedral: Orengo, Sifuna and Babu Owino Take Linda Mwananchi Campaign to Thika)
Siaya Governor James Orengo welcomed Kang’ata's participation, describing it as a significant development for the movement. He maintained that the movement's objective was to unite Kenyans around issues affecting ordinary citizens rather than political divisions.
“We need a people's movement that unites Kenyans from every corner of the country. I am happy that Kang’ata has joined us. When I saw him today, I knew the game has changed. I have worked with him before and I know his leadership qualities. In Kang’ata, we have a true leader for Kenya,” Orengo said.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna lamented the decline of Thika's industrial sector, arguing that an unfavourable business environment has contributed to the relocation of industries to neighbouring countries and eventual loss of jobs.
“Thika was once known as one of Kenya's leading industrial towns. Today, many industries are relocating to other countries, leaving thousands of workers without jobs. When we assume power, we shall cut unnecessary public spending and return wealth to the people,” he said.
The senator promised that a future administration backed by the movement would focus on reducing government expenditure and channeling more resources towards economic growth and public welfare. He also called for unity among opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We will join hands with all like-minded Kenyans and form one strong team to challenge President William Ruto in 2027. The line-up must be one.”
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino appealed to residents of the Mt Kenya region to work together with other communities in pursuing political change.
“Jamii ya Wakikuyu, hapa ni nyumbani. Nikisimama hapa Thika, nasimama kama shemeji,” he told the crowd, drawing cheers from supporters.
He urged Kenyans to accept campaign handouts if offered but vote according to their conscience.
“Kula pesa lakini piga kura kwa busara. Chagua viongozi watakaoleta maendeleo,” Owino said.
The legislator also highlighted the challenges facing families struggling to educate their children. During the rally, he donated Ksh. 30,000 to a mother who made her way through to the dais seeking assistance to return her child to school after being sent home over unpaid fees.
“If such a parent has to come to a political rally to beg for school fees, then that is a failure of government policy. Kenyans were promised free education, but many families today find education increasingly unaffordable due to rising costs,” Owino said.
Former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo urged supporters to rally behind the Linda Mwananchi Movement and begin organising early ahead of future political contests. She emphasised the need for unity among Kenyans seeking reforms and called on citizens to remain actively engaged in shaping the country's future.
“Tuungane na Linda Mwananchi kuhakikisha ushindi mapema,” she said.
The leaders reiterated that the Linda Mwananchi Movement aims to build a broad national coalition focused on economic recovery, affordable healthcare, quality education, job creation and accountable leadership, as they continue popularising the movement across different parts of the country.
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