Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has defended the Linda Mwananchi political movement against claims that it is dominated by the Luo community, saying the outfit brings together leaders and supporters from different parts of the country.
Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV on Tuesday evening, Omondi said the movement had attracted broad support, including a large section of members from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
“Linda Mwananchi is not only a Luo affair. It has over three-quarters of ODM. We have all tribes in this formation,” he said.
The legislator said the group is positioning itself as a political force ahead of the next General Election and hinted at plans to field a presidential candidate.
According to Omondi, the movement was also formed to safeguard the political legacy associated with ODM leader Raila Odinga.
“We want to protect what the late Raila Odinga built over the years,” he said.
At the same time, Omondi dismissed reports linking former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to the Linda Mwananchi movement.
“There is nowhere Rigathi Gachagua has said he is joining Linda Mwananchi,” he stated.
The MP also addressed speculation surrounding differences between his political camp and leaders allied to ODM party leader Oburu Oginga and the wider Jaramogi family.
“I have no problem with Oburu Oginga and the Jaramogi family. I have a good relationship with that family,” he said.
However, Omondi acknowledged that political competition within the movement and the wider opposition remains active.
“That wing wants power, and we also want power. Working the way they are working will only take the Luo community to the opposition,” he added.
He further stressed the importance of political cooperation among communities, particularly in national politics.
“Politics done here in Nairobi will only work when communities work together, and no one can go alone,” he said.
The remarks come amid growing political realignments and early coalition-building efforts as leaders position themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.
