Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has outlined the Linda Mwananchi Movement's proposed national agenda, pledging to put citizens at the centre of government, reduce public expenditure and pursue tax relief if the movement gains power.
Speaking during the launch of the movement's national headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi, Sifuna said its political programme would be guided by the Constitution and the interests of ordinary Kenyans.
"Sisi tumesema kama Linda Mwananchi tutaweka uongozi wa wananchi mbele. Kila kitu ambayo tunafanya tutaweka wananchi mbele ili tuweze kuhakikisha kwamba tunarudisha nchi hii yetu," Sifuna said.
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He argued that constitutionalism should guide government decisions and promised to support the election of leaders who understand and respect the constitution.
Sifuna said the movement intended to place constitutional values, accountability and citizens' interests at the centre of public leadership.
He also criticised what he described as obstacles encountered while searching for a political party through which the movement could advance its agenda.
The senator thanked several political figures whom he said had supported the initiative, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and members of The Equitable Party, which provided the movement with a political platform.
He also acknowledged opposition leaders Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka over their engagements with the movement.
The launch marked another stage in the movement's efforts to establish its political structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.
One of Sifuna's key economic proposals is to reduce government expenditure by KSh500 billion, arguing that savings from public spending could help ease the financial burden on Kenyans.
"Tunataka kukata shilingi bilioni 500 kutoka kwa bajeti ya serikali kwa sababu bajeti ya corruption," he said.
He also pledged to push for the removal of taxes on fuel and electricity, although he did not provide a detailed implementation plan.
In an earlier interview on Ocotber 9, Sifuna said a team of experts advising him had identified potential savings ranging from KSh500 billion to KSh1.8 trillion through what he described as wasteful government expenditure.
He linked the proposed savings to plans to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel, scrap the housing levy and reduce VAT on electricity.
Sifuna also criticised President William Ruto, accusing him of adopting ideas associated with the movement.
He linked his criticism to the meaning of The Equitable Party, whose Swahili translation he described as Chama cha Usawa.
The senator argued that equality had become part of the country's political conversation and used his remarks to challenge the President's approach to leadership.
“Wewe tunataka tukutume nyumbani tuingize watu ambao wanaelewa katiba ndani ya serikali,” Sifuna said.
His comments added to the political exchanges between leaders positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The launch of the Lavington headquarters comes as the Linda Mwananchi Movement works to establish its national political organisation and prepare for the next general election.
Sifuna's proposals place constitutionalism, government spending, taxation and citizen-centred leadership at the centre of the movement's emerging political agenda.
However, the proposed budget reductions and tax changes will require further details on how savings would be identified, how government revenue would be affected and how public services would be financed.
As political preparations for 2027 continue, the movement's policy proposals are likely to form part of the wider debate on public spending, taxation and governance in Kenya.
