Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was booed on Friday at the launch of the Linda Mwananchi Movement headquarters in Nairobi, The Standard reported. The crowd turned on him after he said Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was not yet a presidential candidate. Some supporters chanted "President Sifuna" as Kalonzo struggled to continue.
Kalonzo was correcting DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, who had appeared to endorse Sifuna's presidential bid. He said the new party's formal nomination process was not yet complete. According to The Standard, he told Sifuna that legally he had to wait until November 13 to be declared a presidential candidate. At one point, Kalonzo asked the crowd whether he should keep speaking or sit down.
Sifuna then pleaded with supporters to let Kalonzo finish. "This is no way to treat our guests," he said. He told the crowd that they too would one day want to be heard in front of Wiper supporters.
When Kalonzo got the microphone back, he called for political tolerance. He said he only wanted Sifuna's candidacy to go through party procedures and consultations. He reminded the audience that a delegates' conference on October 10, 2025, had given him a mandate to seek the presidency. He pledged to back Sifuna if he himself is not the candidate. He said he would also support Rigathi Gachagua or Wamalwa.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya urged supporters not to let differences derail the movement. He said the leaders would consult and name one presidential candidate in due time.
The new offices are in Nairobi's Lavington estate and will serve as the party's operational base, The Star reported. The Daily Nation said Sifuna was expected to name some national leaders, set up campaign structures and open the party to aspirants. Sifuna launched The Equitable Party (TEP) in early October and said it would become the Linda Mwananchi Movement party. The Star reported that Gachagua and Kalonzo joined Sifuna to open the offices.
The heckling drew criticism. According to The Star, Murkomen said Linda Mwananchi supporters showed "no respect for fellow leaders". Donald Kipkorir also criticised them.
After the launch, the movement planned a Saturday rally in Kwale, followed by a trip to Turkana, The Star reported. Sifuna is also expected to leave on November 19 for meetings with Kenyans in the United States.