Amisi climbs down on alternative movement, insist he is Linda Mwananchi

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has softened his stance on plans to form an alternative political movement, declaring that he remains firmly committed to Linda Mwananchi.

Speaking to the Star on phone, the outspoken lawmaker said he had no intention of abandoning the outfit even as he maintains that Linda Mwananchi should retain its independence.

He said the movement should resist efforts to be absorbed into the United Opposition coalition.

The legislator said subordinating the movement to the opposition alliance would amount to betrayal of the millions of Kenyans who have rallied behind its people-centred agenda.

“I can’t move away from what I started. It (Linda Mwanachi) is my baby. I can't throw it before it grows,” he said.

“The only problem is, these old guys have invaded Linda Mwananchi and they are trying to divert the course. The course was that there is a generation that is fed up with legacy politicians.

“You cannot be replacing one legacy politician with another one and calling it change.”

The remarks mark a shift from Amisi's earlier comments that had fuelled speculation about the emergence of a new political movement, amid growing tensions within opposition ranks.

Amisi claimed during a radio show that the outfit led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna had lost direction and deviated from the original course of offering fresh leadership.

A prominent voice within the movement, Amisi signaled plans for a new political wave, remarks that have triggered debate among supporters and political observers about the future of the fledgling formation.

"They have deviated from the original plan; they have to come back," he said

"I have a team of people who are drawing. Very soon, I'll start a movement. The purpose of this movement is to ensure that a new crop of leaders is elected. It's not about youths. People think being clean is being young. No. Some old people are credible. The matter is their credibility," he said.

In an interview with the Star, the second-term MP said it was just divergent views, insisting he is keen on seeing the fledgling movement grow.

His latest sentiments come barely weeks after he indicated that he would not support any emergence with the newly formed United Opposition alliance, a position that many insiders believe lies at the heart of the current friction.

Sifuna, who is touted as a possible presidential candidate for the movement, has several times indicated they will join forces with United Opposition to make William Ruto a one-term President.

“Kenyans are suffering and have told us that they want fresh leadership. What are we supposed to do? We are supposed to give Kenyans hope as a political leadership and send home the current government, even if it means that the rest of us unite,” Sifuna said.

We don’t want a ballot paper that has many names to tire Kenyans. We only need two names, the incumbent and one from the opposition. That will follow deep talks.”

But according to Amisi, the only point of convergence with the opposition team led by Rigathi Gachagua (DCP) and Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) should be if they agree to back the Linda Mwannchi candidate.

“My problem with my colleagues who said let us join United Opposition is that we didn’t form a movement to join the opposition,” Amisi said.

The lawmaker also told the Star that he has tried addressing his concerns internally with little success.

“When we talk, the majority agree but when we go to the podium , they do something different,” he said.   

The Star has however established that the Linda Mwananchi team has resolved not to respond to Amisi’s claims, terming them ‘sideshows.

“Those are sideshows. The team is pursuing an agenda bigger than an individual and it is the agenda of Kenyans,” a well-placed source told the Star.

“Linda Mwananchi is a threat to the government and the government will try by all means to stop it, including using some of its members.

“How come his Renaissance Party has been registered in a record two months, while some applicants take years before their parties are registered?”

Some quarters argue that the lawmaker's dissatisfaction stems from the reluctance of key opposition players to embrace the Renaissance Party, a political outfit with which he is closely associated.

Fueling speculation about his next political move, the MP on Friday appeared at the Renaissance Party headquarters where he presided over the reception of new members.

The event was interpreted by allies and rivals alike as a sign of his deepening ties with the party and a possible indication that he is preparing an alternative political path.

INSTANT ANALYSIS      

While Linda Mwananchi leaders have downplayed the significance of the remarks, Amisi's comments are likely to intensify questions about unity within the movement at a time when opposition forces are seeking to consolidate ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.