Victory belongs to leaders who rally voters around key issues

Edwin Sifuna’s appearance on Citizen TV’s The Explainer this week was riveting. Intense, uncomfortable and revealing, it was also a masterclass in accountability journalism.

Beyond the sparks, what did the interview expose about the rise of the Linda Mwananchi’s most prominent voice and Kenyan journalism?

Like Tim Sebastian, Mehdi Hassan, and Maria Ressa, Yvonne Okwara comes from the school of journalism that abandons neutrality for the public interest.

 They challenge inconsistencies, fact-check in real time and always ask the inconvenient questions. Interviews are not simply an opportunity to corner their guests.

They are designed to uncover the truth, probe claims, and help audiences understand the motives, interests and calculations shaping decisions by powerful people.

Like a courtroom cross-examination, Okwara frequently interrupted and repeatedly returned to questions she felt had not been answered.

She offered the Nairobi Senator little opportunity to pivot to safer ground or retreat to well-rehearsed political talking points. Predictably, reactions have been sharply divided.

Linda Mwananchi supporters felt she was overly aggressive and her constant interruptions seemed aimed to produce a “gotcha” moment. Critics relished the pressure on her guest.

They cite his seeming reluctance to declare his presidency, how public donations will be accounted for and whether he will work with the broader opposition.

The interview became a stress test not only for the guest, but also how Kenyans view accountability journalism itself.

While not all of Okwara’s questions got clear answers, the 42-minute interview offered me clear signs that Linda Mwananchi could reshape Kenya’s political landscape.

As Sifuna describes it, theirs is a citizen-driven movement rather than a political party only building alliances with the united opposition.

It remains in listening mode, consulting Kenyans on where to field candidates and who might carry its presidential banner.

Sifuna’s consistent emphasis on human dignity, accountable governance, constitutionalism, and human rights is a refreshing contrast to four years of policy preoccupation with stadiums, skyscrapers, and highways and policy misadventures with our health, housing, agriculture and environment.

While it may be too early to see whether Sifuna will lead the unified opposition Kenyans desperately need, the interview reinforced rising poll numbers in his favour.

The future belongs to leaders who can rally voters around a few issues and build democratic, locally owned political movements. Unsurprisingly, Sifuna’s celebration of small donations from Kimilili market women has unsettled politicians accustomed to less transparent sources of political funding. Party paternalism has its blind spots.

2027 will be won by the alliance with the most disciplined grassroots structures united by a shared vision and clear values.

Success will depend on organising volunteer digital ambassadors, fundraisers and community organisers to inspire hope, trust, and optimism, not just anger and dissent.

Unless the IEBC and National Police Service demonstrate a stronger commitment to protecting political freedoms and preventing intimidation and violence (has anyone significant seen the inside of a courtroom after Ol Kalou?), party militia and inter-party violence will only grow.

Given the state has the monopoly of state violence, the incumbent benefits most from this proliferation. Non-violent strategies that keep all political actors safe and interrupt violence are desperately needed now.

They will reduce the opportunities for state repression and build electoral legitimacy domestically and internationally.

It will also encourage principled security actors to resist the weaponisation of their services to commit crimes. Ol Kalou offered several powerful lessons. Organised voters can reject bribes, unmask the violent and defend their vote.

If Kenya is to avoid another cycle of politricks in 2027, parties must root out corruption, impunity, and violence within their own ranks. The imperial presidency can’t be defeated by mini-imperial presidencies within parties.

In this respect, Sifuna acquitted himself well. Beyond revealing the early inner workings of Linda Mwananchi, Okwara’s interview also served as adequate notice to her next guest.

Answer the question. Don’t evade obvious facts. Stay calm under pressure and acknowledge legitimate criticism.

Those who survive are not those who dodge difficult questions, but answer them directly and stand by their convictions.

-www.irunguhoughton.org