Nairobi Hosts PM National Delegate Congress as Sabatia Candidate Honorable Francis Lwenya Speaks Out on Party Loyalty and Political Future

The national spotlight turned to Nairobi today as the People's Renaissance Movement held its much-anticipated National Delegate Congress, a key gathering that brought together party faithful, opposition figures, and aspiring leaders from across the country. The event, which was strictly a congress and not a campaign rally, served as a strategic platform for the party to outline its vision and solidify its position within the broader opposition coalition ahead of the 2026 elections.

At the heart of the day's proceedings was Honourable Francis Lwenya, the party's flagbearer for the Sabatia Constituency seat in Vihiga County. In a spirited address to delegates, Lwenya made it clear that his decision to run under the People's Renaissance Movement banner was driven by both personal conviction and political pragmatism. He spoke warmly of his longstanding friendship with the party leader, Hon Caleb Hamisi,  and expressed deep alignment with the party's Renaissance philosophy, which he described as the only viable pathway to meaningful national transformation. According to Lwenya, Kenya is at a crossroads where change is not just desirable but urgently needed, and the PM party, in his view, offers the most inclusive and non-discriminatory vehicle to achieve that change.

One of the most striking moments of the congress came when Lwenya addressed what he described as a damaging but ultimately unfounded narrative that the PM party had been secretly working in favor of President William Ruto's administration. He pointed to the conspicuous presence of senior United Opposition leaders at the congress as clear evidence that such claims were without merit. In his assessment, the strong show of solidarity from the opposition leadership had effectively neutralized those allegations and reaffirmed the party's genuine commitment to the opposition cause. He reiterated that the PM party is fully integrated into the United Opposition and remains an active participant in the one-term movement, which seeks to limit political tenures and foster fresh leadership.

Turning his attention to the role of a legislator, Lwenya outlined the constitutional duties of a Member of Parliament, namely lawmaking, oversight, and representation. However, he was quick to argue that these functions can only be meaningful when the broader political environment respects the rule of law and allows for genuine parliamentary independence. He was sharply critical of the current administration, accusing it of undermining judicial authority and compromising the integrity of Parliament through patronage and influence. He maintained that without a change at the top, even well-intentioned legislative efforts would remain stifled, and he vowed that an opposition-led government would restore respect for court orders and champion laws that genuinely serve the people.

In a direct and pointed critique of the incumbent Sabatia MP, Lwenya did not hold back his disappointment. He singled out the MP's vote in favour of the contentious Finance Bill 2024, a decision he linked directly to the tragic loss of young lives during the protests that followed. He described such actions as unforgivable and emblematic of a leadership that has lost touch with the suffering of ordinary citizens. He also dismissed what he called Kujanga Magorofa, a term he used to condemn superficial public relations exercises that distract from the real issues of hunger and economic distress facing Kenyans today. Drawing on his own background as a native of the region, Lwenya argued that his roots give him an authentic understanding of the challenges and aspirations of the Sabatia electorate, and he expressed confidence that his approach would be far more responsive and effective than that of the current office holder.