Bob Njagi: Linda Mwananchi should be careful about who joins the movement

Human rights activist Bob Njagi has advised the Linda Mwananchi movement to exercise caution when admitting new members, as political figures are increasingly aligning with the group. Speaking in an interview on August 28, 2026, Njagi, who had been supporting the movement since its second rally in Kitengela, expressed his concerns to some of the movement's leaders. He initially joined Linda Mwananchi because he believed it represented a new generation of young, dynamic leaders striving to bring about change.

Njagi became uneasy when some leaders indicated their willingness to collaborate with individuals who had been involved in serious human rights violations in the country. He emphasized that such actions raised red flags, as they could undermine the movement's original objectives. Njagi questioned whether these developments could lead to the political takeover of what he described as a citizens' movement, warning that politicians should not be allowed to hijack the objective of the movement.

He also cautioned that Kenyans were observing the movement's actions and might withdraw their support if they perceived it as straying from its original agenda. Njagi reminded the movement's leaders that the sacrifices made by young protesters during recent demonstrations should not be forgotten, stating, "And so they should be careful on how they're treading. Yeah, because lives have been lost. Right. Rex Maasai, rest in peace. All the young people who died, they did not die in vain."

He urged the movement to stay focused on liberating the country from state capture. Njagi's comments come amid growing concerns over the movement's direction and political figures increasingly associating themselves with it. The uproar emerged after Aisha Jumwa, a former Kilifi Woman Representative and gubernatorial candidate, seemed to align herself with the movement led by Edwin Sifuna.

Critics have accused the movement of deviating from its initial objectives, moving away from challenging established political figures whose legacies they had initially sought to change.