Speaking during a recent political engagement, Amisi said the movement did not emerge out of nowhere but was instead an evolution of an earlier structure he personally initiated known as the Kenya Moja Movement.
He explained that Kenya Moja was formed with the awareness and informal approval of former ODM leader Raila Odinga, whom he credits as a guiding influence in his political journey.
According to Amisi, Linda Mwananchi is a continuation of that earlier initiative, rebranded and expanded to reflect changing political realities and a broader national reach.
He suggested that the original intention behind Kenya Moja was to promote citizen-focused politics, which he now argues has been carried forward under the Linda Mwananchi banner.
“I sought the permission of Raila to form Kenya Moja, which eventually became Linda Mwananchi. Wherever Raila is, he is happy that the permission he gave me, I took it seriously and now look, it’s preserving his legacy,” Amisi stated.
The MP further asserted that any committed ODM member should align themselves with the Linda Mwananchi movement, describing it as an authentic extension of the party’s original values.
“I sought the permission of Raila to form Kenya Moja, which eventually became Linda Mwananchi. Wherever Raila is, he is happy that the permission he gave me, I took it seriously and now look, it’s preserving his legacy,” Amisi stated.
The MP further asserted that any committed ODM member should align themselves with the Linda Mwananchi movement, describing it as an authentic extension of the party’s original values.
However, his remarks also included sharp criticism of rival internal factions, particularly those associated with the Linda Ground grouping, which he accused of acting out of personal political interest rather than party ideology.
He claimed that some individuals within the party have strayed from the founding principles of ODM, arguing that their focus has shifted toward personal electoral gain rather than collective political ideals. According to him, this has contributed to internal weakening and ideological confusion within the party.
Amisi further warned that ODM risks losing its political identity if internal divisions persist, stating that the party is currently struggling to define its direction. He argued that without urgent reorganisation and ideological clarity, the party could face increased political pressure ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a more provocative claim, the legislator suggested that ODM’s internal challenges could eventually make it vulnerable to being politically overshadowed by President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), especially if factional disputes continue unchecked.
Political observers note that Amisi’s remarks reflect deeper tensions within opposition politics, where emerging movements and alliances are increasingly competing for influence, legitimacy, and control of grassroots structures.
His statement also highlights the growing trend of informal political formations in Kenya, where movements often evolve rapidly around personalities, regional interests, and shifting national alliances rather than formal party structures.
As the political landscape continues to evolve ahead of 2027, the emergence and expansion of groups like Linda Mwananchi signal a more fragmented and competitive environment, particularly within opposition politics. Whether the movement will consolidate into a formal political force or remain a pressure group remains a key question going forward.
He claimed that some individuals within the party have strayed from the founding principles of ODM, arguing that their focus has shifted toward personal electoral gain rather than collective political ideals. According to him, this has contributed to internal weakening and ideological confusion within the party.
Amisi further warned that ODM risks losing its political identity if internal divisions persist, stating that the party is currently struggling to define its direction. He argued that without urgent reorganisation and ideological clarity, the party could face increased political pressure ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a more provocative claim, the legislator suggested that ODM’s internal challenges could eventually make it vulnerable to being politically overshadowed by President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), especially if factional disputes continue unchecked.
Political observers note that Amisi’s remarks reflect deeper tensions within opposition politics, where emerging movements and alliances are increasingly competing for influence, legitimacy, and control of grassroots structures.
His statement also highlights the growing trend of informal political formations in Kenya, where movements often evolve rapidly around personalities, regional interests, and shifting national alliances rather than formal party structures.
As the political landscape continues to evolve ahead of 2027, the emergence and expansion of groups like Linda Mwananchi signal a more fragmented and competitive environment, particularly within opposition politics. Whether the movement will consolidate into a formal political force or remain a pressure group remains a key question going forward.