By Ken Juma
August 9, 2026, Today’s Linda Mwananchi rally at Shianda Market in Kakamega County was marked by a rare show of political tolerance, with Mumias East MP Peter Salasya calling for unity and dialogue among opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking after the rally, Salasya said he was “pleased that no one attacked me, nor was anyone given an opportunity to use the microphone to make the usual personal remarks or label me a psychiatric patient.”
His comments highlighted a shift in tone at opposition events, which have previously been characterized by heckling and personal insults.The MP also revealed that he had received an invitation from Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to join the Linda Mwananchi team and take up what was described as the “number 7 position.”
“I appreciate the gesture and take it in good faith,” Salasya said. “It shows we can disagree politically but still respect each other.”
Natembeya, who has been leading Linda Mwananchi mobilization across Western Kenya, has hosted the movement in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma in recent weeks. The Governor has repeatedly said the country needs a new style of leadership centred on the interests of citizens.
In a significant gesture, Salasya declared a ceasefire and gave Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna the green light to pursue his political ambitions, whether for the presidency or any other position he may aspire to.
Sifuna currently fronts the Linda Mwananchi movement, which was recently endorsed as its preferred presidential candidate for 2027. The movement has been touring the country on small Sh10 donations from ordinary Kenyans, with Sifuna describing it as a citizen-driven campaign focused on accountability and good governance.
It was Salasya himself who called for a handshake with the Linda Mwananchi leadership. “In the spirit of unity, I will equally be reaching out to the Linda Mwananchi team for a handshake, because despite our political differences, we remain one team with a common interest “Team Wantam,” he said.
Wantam has been the slogan used during the United Opposition’s Western Kenya tour, pushing for a single candidate to face President William Ruto. DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa has also expressed willingness to team up with Sifuna’s camp, saying integrity should guide the choice of a joint flag bearer.Other leaders present in recent Western tours include Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, and Fred Matiang’i, all of whom have declared interest in the coalition ticket.
Salasya closed his remarks with a call for respect. “Let us embrace dialogue, respect, and political tolerance as we move forward,” he said.
Political analysts say the Shianda event signals growing efforts to consolidate opposition forces in Western Kenya, with Natembeya, Wamalwa, and now Salasya seemingly aligning behind Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi push. The coming weeks are expected to determine how the “handshake” proposal translates into formal cooperation.