Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has eased his position on plans to form an alternative political movement, saying he remains fully committed to Linda Mwananchi.
The outspoken lawmaker said he has no intention of abandoning the outfit, even as he insists that Linda Mwananchi should keep its independence. He added that the movement should resist attempts to fold into the United Opposition coalition.
Amisi argued that bringing Linda Mwananchi under the opposition alliance would amount to betrayal of the millions of Kenyans who have backed its people-centered agenda.
“I can’t move away from what I started. It (Linda Mwanachi) is my baby. I can’t throw it before it grows,” he told the Star.
He also criticized what he described as interference within the movement, saying, “The only problem is these old guys have invaded Linda Mwananchi, and they are trying to divert the course. The course was that there is a generation that is fed up with legacy politicians.
“You cannot be replacing one legacy politician with another one and calling it change.”
Amisi had earlier on fueled speculation about the emergence of a new political movement as tensions within opposition ranks continued to mount.
On a radio show, Amisi said the outfit led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna had lost direction and strayed from its original goal of providing fresh leadership.
“They have deviated from the original plan; they have to come back,” he said.
“I have a team of people who are drawing. Very soon, I’ll start a movement. The purpose of this movement is to ensure that a new crop of leaders is elected. It’s not about youths. People think being clean is being young. No. Some old people are credible. The matter is their credibility,” he said.
The second-term MP described the differences as divergent views, insisting that he wants the fledgling movement to take root. His latest position comes just weeks after he said he would not back any formation linked to the newly established United Opposition alliance, a stance that many insiders believe lies at the core of the ongoing disagreement.
Sifuna, who some observers cite as a possible presidential candidate for the movement, has repeatedly said they intend to join forces with United Opposition to push for William Ruto to serve only one term.
Amisi, however, argues that the only area of alignment with the opposition team led by Rigathi Gachagua (DCP) and Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) should be agreement on supporting the Linda Mwannchi candidate.
“My problem with my colleagues who said, ‘Let us join United Opposition’ is that we didn’t form a movement to join the opposition,” Amisi said.
He also told The Star that he has tried to resolve his concerns internally without success.
“When we talk, the majority agree, but when we go to the podium, they do something different,” he said.
