He said the number may look small but carries real political weight in Kenya’s electoral space. According to him, such figures can easily decide local seats.
The Nairobi Senator explained that in many wards, that level of support is enough to win an MCA position. He added that some constituencies can produce an MP with similar numbers.
He even pointed to smaller counties like Lamu and Isiolo where such reach can influence a Senate race.
The Linda Mwananchi platform launched on March 13, 2026 with strong momentum. It aimed to register supporters and collect views from ordinary citizens. Within hours, thousands had signed up and the site quickly gained traction across social media platforms.
Organisers reported more than 5,500 registrations in a short time. The movement also spread fast on Facebook, X, TikTok, and Instagram. Supporters saw it as a fresh way to connect with leaders and push for change.
However, the excitement did not last long. By the next day, the website became inaccessible to many users. It showed a blank page, raising concern among supporters who had just joined the platform.
Sifuna later confirmed the shutdown was due to cyberattacks and system weaknesses. He said hackers attempted to breach the system while sensitive user data was at risk. Screenshots showing personal details of users also began circulating online.
He assured the public that experts from the UK and US were helping fix the system. The goal is to strengthen security before bringing the platform back online. He also noted that many users shared helpful ideas to improve the project.
Political observers say the incident highlights both opportunity and risk in digital politics. The fast growth showed strong public interest. At the same time, the cyber threats exposed gaps in preparedness.
Leaders like Babu Owino have already shown support for the movement. Their involvement has helped boost its visibility and credibility among young voters.
Sifuna insists the initiative is about empowering citizens. Plans are underway for more engagement including a rally at Tononoka grounds in Mombasa after Ramadan.
Debate continues over whether the numbers are impressive or not. Supporters see promise while critics remain doubtful about its long term impact.