They are still doing baby steps: Ayub Savula dismisses Linda Mwananchi rallies

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has downplayed the importance of Linda Mwananchi rallies, stating the movement has yet to create the required political structures to convert public gatherings into electoral backing for the 2027 General Election. In a podcast interview on September 18, Savula said he would only consider Linda Mwananchi seriously once its leaders establish a political party and demonstrate the ability to mobilize voters nationwide.

He argued that rallies alone are insufficient evidence that a political outfit has built a strong electoral base. "I can discuss Linda Mwananchi when they have their political party in place, but for now they don’t have a political party. Setting up a political party and marketing it is a tall order," Savula said. Linda Mwananchi has been active in recent opposition activities, with Edwin Sifuna, a Nairobi Senator and opposition leader, becoming one of its most visible figures.

Savula pointed to the political careers of late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga and President William Ruto as examples of leaders who successfully built political organisations and garnered nationwide support. Savula's remarks come as Linda Mwananchi continues to hold rallies and grassroots meetings to build momentum ahead of the 2027 polls.

The movement is still in the early stages of political mobilisation, according to Savula, who emphasized that attending rallies is different from building an organization capable of turning public enthusiasm into votes. He noted that while Kenyans are willing to attend political gatherings and listen to leaders' ideas, the more challenging task is convincing supporters to formally identify with a political party and ultimately vote for its candidates.

The debate over Linda Mwananchi's organizational readiness is occurring amid intensified preparations by established political parties and coalitions, which already have party structures, while emerging movements like Linda Mwananchi are working to build comparable grassroots networks before the election.