Edwin Sifuna explained why the newly launched Linda Mwananchi website suddenly went offline shortly after its debut.
The Nairobi senator had unveiled the platform on Friday, March 13, inviting supporters to register and show backing for the movement. Within hours, thousands of people had signed up, although the site later appeared blank, raising questions among followers.
Sifuna later clarified that the website had been temporarily taken down to address user feedback and improve security after it faced numerous cyberattacks. He thanked supporters for the overwhelming response and asked them to remain patient while his team worked on strengthening the system before restoring the platform.
“Expectedly, there were thousands of malicious attacks on the website as well as hundreds of positive feedback on how we can improve. We have taken the site offline to address the issues and incorporate your ideas,” Sifuna said.
The Linda Mwananchi initiative emerged amid internal divisions within Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Sifuna leads a group opposed to President William Ruto, while another faction aligned with Oburu Oginga has signalled support for the current administration. The rival camps have exchanged accusations of external influence, each claiming to defend the party’s direction following the death of Raila Odinga, whose absence left the party grappling with internal power struggles.
