NAIROBI, Kenya — Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has renewed his intention to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, saying feedback from his countrywide political tours has strengthened calls for him to take up a bigger national role.
Sifuna made the remarks on Sunday while addressing the first Linda Mwananchi rally at Marikiti Market during the movement’s mobilisation tour of Nairobi.
The senator told residents that people from different parts of the country had been urging him to pursue a more prominent political position, in what appeared to be a fresh indication of his presidential ambitions.
“I want to tell Nairobi, other parts of the country want to give me another job. Do you know the job they want me to take?” Sifuna asked.
He followed up by asking residents whether they supported him taking up the position he said people from other parts of the country were proposing.
“People in other parts want to take me to a certain job. Do you also want me to take that job?”
Sifuna says Ruto’s time is up
Sifuna also criticised the Ruto administration, saying it should serve only one term.
“This administration should get one term, their time is up,” he said.
The senator, however, acknowledged that defeating Ruto in 2027 would require opposition leaders to work together rather than pursue separate campaigns.
He specifically called for cooperation between himself, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition figures.
“It will not be easy. We must walk together with Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua and all other leaders in the opposition. Let us walk together,” Sifuna said.
His appeal places opposition unity at the centre of his emerging national political strategy as parties and individual leaders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 contest.
Sifuna credits Nairobi voters for national profile
Sifuna also thanked Nairobi residents for electing him to the Senate, saying the position had helped him establish a broader national political profile.
“Because you elected me as senator, I am now known across the country. I thank you for that opportunity you gave me,” he said.
The Nairobi mobilisation has brought together politicians and political figures from different regions, providing Sifuna with a platform to showcase a wider coalition of opposition personalities.
Those accompanying him include Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu, political strategist Pauline Njoroge, Wundanyi MP Dan Mwashako, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, Kisii Senator Richard Onyoka, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Orengo attacks Ruto in Nairobi rally
Siaya Governor James Orengo also used the rally to criticise President Ruto, saying the President was seeking political support in Kisumu despite what Orengo described as limited backing in the region.
The remarks added another layer to the opposition criticism of Ruto as Sifuna’s mobilisation campaign seeks to build momentum across Nairobi and beyond.
Babu Owino pitches 2027 Nairobi agenda
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also addressed the rally, using the event to outline his ambitions for Nairobi ahead of the 2027 elections.
Babu said he would seek to tackle some of the city’s longstanding challenges if elected governor in 2027.
He promised to improve cleanliness, address water shortages and strengthen health services in the capital.
His participation further broadened the political focus of the Linda Mwananchi tour, which has brought together figures with ambitions at both national and county levels.
Linda Mwananchi tour moves across Nairobi
The Linda Mwananchi procession is scheduled to continue to Gikomba Market before moving to Burma Market.
The itinerary also includes Stage 17, B Centre and Manyanja, after which supporters are expected to proceed along Jogoo Road towards Jacaranda Grounds.
The tour is expected to culminate at about 2 pm with a major rally at Jacaranda Grounds, where Sifuna is scheduled to address supporters.
