Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has given an account of what transpired during the Linda Mwananchi principals’ retreat, where Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was unanimously chosen as the movement’s leader and presidential candidate.
According to Khalwale, the meeting focused on two major issues, including settling the question of leadership and determining the political party that would serve as the movement’s vehicle.
The retreat was held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with Siaya County governor James Orengo absent from the meeting.
Members of the Linda Mwananchi claimed that Orengo had sent his apologies because he was attending to a sick family member.
Boni Khalwale on Sifuna Unanimous Selection
According to Khalwale, members of the party had demanded clarity on leadership, noting that the movement had previously operated without a formally agreed leader.
Following the raised concerns, the principals discussed the matter and unanimously agreed that Sifuna would become their leader.
Khalwale emphasized that the decision on Edwin Sifuna taking up the leadership of the party did not face any objections from those present during the retreat.
“We spoke to these two and unanimously agreed that our leader will be the senator of Nairobi, Edwin Sifuna. There was no dissenting voice on that proposal, which was unanimously adopted,” Khalwale said during an interview with NTV on September 28.
Also Read: Orengo Isolated as Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino Hold Crisis Meeting
Party Question Sparks Debate
Addressing the second major issue within the party involving the political party that would represent the movement, Khalwale explained that making the decision was difficult, as most members are affiliated with different political parties.
He cited himself, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, and Babu Owino among those with existing party affiliations.
However, he argued that despite most members having political affiliations, some members who had previously been associated with ODM were not attached to another political vehicle.
Khalwale further clarified that the meeting involved competing preferences over which party should become the movement’s main vehicle, including a media push by George Natembeya.
“So what has played out, if you ask me now, as an opinion, is that there has been an attempt behind the scenes for people to push for their own political party to be now the party that represents the entire movement. You saw in the media that the governor of Trans Nzoia, George Natembeya, was pushing a party called the United Democratic Party, which is okay. He is affiliated to it,” Boni Khalwale stated.
In addition, Khalwale said Babu Owino used the meeting to defend his party and explain why he wanted to retain his political vehicle.
Khalwale affirmed that he would similarly have defended the United Patriotic Movement, the party with which he is associated, had he been in Babu’s position.
He also said Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya stood his ground on retaining the United Democratic Party.
Also Read: Inside PEP, the Little-Known Party Associated With Sifuna and Pauline Njoroge
Orengo Absence Addressed
Khalwale also addressed Orengo’s absence from the retreat. He emphasized that had the Siaya governor attended, he might have expressed his own position on the political party question.
Further, the senator confirmed that Senator Godfrey Osotsi had communicated Orengo’s preference during the meeting.
According to the senator, Orengo preferred the movement to agree on one political party rather than operate through a coalition of separate parties.
However, the Kakamega Senator noted that his position was different from the approach of one political party
Despite the disagreement over the political vehicle, Khalwale explained that the meeting did not shut out leaders who preferred to remain with their existing parties.
Khalwale specifically mentioned Babu Owino’s party and Natembeya’s party as possible partners.
“Parties that we would start with would be Babu’s party, Natembeya’s party, and then we talk about coalition. Therefore, they would still be part of our team but now as our coalition. So there is no contradiction; no door has been locked to anybody,” Boni Khalwale clarified on the party’s stand.
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