Westlands Member of Parliament Tim Wanyonyi has dismissed claims that he has ditched the Linda Mwanancngi Movement to realign with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

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In a press statement on Sunday, September 20, the MP, who is also eyeing the Bungoma gubernatorial seat, said he is firmly behind the Linda Mwananchi movement, reaffirming his support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for the presidency.

According to the MP, the decision to join Linda Mwananchi followed extensive consultations with the people of Bungoma and a careful consideration of the political direction he believes is in the best interest of Bungoma and the country at large

"My decision to join Linda Mwananchi followed extensive consultations with the people of Bungoma and a careful consideration of the political direction I believe is in the best interest of our county and country. That decision remains unchanged.

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"I have been clear in my support for our son, Edwin Watenya Sifuna, and my position has not changed. We will continue to work with Linda Mwananchi as we prepare for the political choices that lie ahead," Wanyonyi stated.   Wanyonyi's statement comes a day after his Sirisia counterpart, John Waluke, alleged that he had dumped the Sifuna-led faction and reverted to ODM, and in full support of President William Ruto's re-election.   According to Waluke, Wanyonyi would become the first ODM governor in Bungoma , describing him as a driver of change and creator of youth employment.   "For this county to change, Tim Wanyonyi must become the governor. For youths to get employment, Wanyonyi must become the governor. He is in ODM and will be the first ODM governor of Bungoma," Waluke said during a rally in the county on Saturday, September 19.   However, the reports have been dismissed by Wanyonyi, who is also a brother to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, stating that the statements have confused his supporters ahead of the 2027 elections.

"I hold Hon. Waluke in high regard, and I recognise and appreciate the support and goodwill he has extended to me over time. I also respect his constitutional right to express his political views. However, where such views differ from my own, it is important that the public is able to distinguish between personal opinions and my official political position," Wanyonyi added.

While noting that he, along with the larger faction, was elected on the ODM ticket, the Westlands lawmaker maintained that individual political realignments have forced them to pursue a different political path away from ODM.   "It's important to note that while many of us in Linda Mwananchi were elected on an ODM ticket , political circumstances and individual political alignments are evolving," he added.

The MP further warned against the spread of unauthorised information about him, announcing that he had constituted a secretariat to coordinate all his official communication. He added that, where necessary, he would communicate directly on his own behalf.

His statement comes amid political realignments ahead of the August 10, 2027, election, with several leaders ditching their parties, forming new ones, or entering into political formations they believe will steer them to victory in 2027.

Among those who have ditched their former parties are Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, his Nyandarua counterpart Kiarie Badilisha, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, among others.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke