Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has criticized Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i for permitting some of their MPs and senators to align with the Linda Mwananchi movement, a decision he says is now backfiring on them.

In a statement posted on social media on July 27, 2026, Salasya dismissed Linda Mwananchi as an initiative orchestrated by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to fragment the opposition and undermine efforts to challenge President William Ruto in the upcoming general election.

Weakening of Political Camps

Said Salasya, "H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka and Dr Fred Matiang’i handed their MPs and senators to Linda Mwananchi, and now they are being shaken. You can't hand over your meat to a hyena." He contended that by releasing their political teams to the faction, both leaders have diluted their own bases.

Calls for Loyalty Clarity

Earlier, Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama also urged Matiang’i to rein in his party members, particularly those from Kisii who have joined the Linda Mwananchi group led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Arama emphasized that Jubilee and Linda Mwananchi are distinct political entities with separate presidential candidates and agendas. He challenged Jubilee members affiliated with Linda Mwananchi to clarify their allegiance, noting the incompatibility of dual loyalty given the movement's active promotion of Sifuna’s presidential bid, contrasting with Jubilee’s association with Matiang’i.

Party Defections and Movement Growth

The debate intensified following the resignation of Jubilee’s deputy organizing secretary, digital strategist Pauline Njoroge, who subsequently joined Linda Mwananchi.

Originally a splinter group from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Linda Mwananchi has expanded to include politicians from multiple opposition parties, positioning itself as a coalition of leaders united by shared political goals.

Linda Mwananchi’s Position

Members of the faction maintain that their affiliation with Linda Mwananchi does not conflict with their roles in their original parties, describing the movement as a coalition formed after being released by their respective parties.

Recently, leaders from Linda Mwananchi visited Fred Matiang’i at his home, with plans to meet Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition principals underway.