BUNGOMA, Kenya — Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has, for the first time, publicly signalled his willingness to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election, saying it is ultimately Kenyans who will decide whether he is fit to succeed President William Ruto.
Sifuna made the remarks during the funeral of Eric Kwamboka, the brother of Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, where several opposition leaders openly endorsed his potential presidential bid.
Addressing mourners, Sifuna thanked those backing his candidature but maintained that the decision rests with the electorate.
“Nyinyi ndio mnataka kunipea kiti ingine, na hizo viti zote nyinyi ndio mnapeana, na ninawaamini,” he said.
Opposition Leaders Back Sifuna
Among those who endorsed the Nairobi senator was Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who argued that the opposition should seriously consider producing a Luhya presidential candidate.
“If in 2027 the president won’t be a Mluhya, then the other side will have to tell us why a Mluhya cannot be president,” Natembeya said, referring to Sifuna.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi also praised Sifuna’s leadership, describing him as a politician whose time had come.
“Na mkiniona mimi nimesimama imara na Mheshimiwa Sifuna, ni lazima mjiulize ni kwa nini. Ukweli ni kwamba huyu kijana Sifuna ametoka wakati iko opportunity kubwa ya kwenda mbele,” Osotsi said.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi called for a united opposition front, suggesting that leaders including former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua should work together to strengthen the coalition ahead of the elections.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi also backed Sifuna, saying the opposition should rally behind a leader who reflects its aspirations.
“We are going to have one movement, but the leader of that movement must look like the movement,” Amisi said.
Calls for Deputy President Role
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala also weighed in on the succession debate, saying the opposition should remain united regardless of who eventually emerges as its presidential flagbearer.
Malala suggested that if another opposition leader, such as Matiang’i, Kalonzo or Gachagua, secures the presidential ticket, Sifuna should be considered for the deputy president position.
Opposition Succession Debate Intensifies
Sifuna’s remarks come as Kenya’s opposition continues to deliberate on its strategy for the 2027 General Election.
Several leaders have expressed interest in leading a united opposition coalition against President William Ruto, although no formal coalition agreement or presidential flagbearer has been announced.
Political analysts say the endorsements reflect growing efforts within the opposition to identify potential candidates capable of uniting different political formations ahead of the next general election.
While Sifuna has now openly expressed his readiness to seek the country’s top seat, whether he ultimately secures the backing of a united opposition coalition remains one of the key questions shaping Kenya’s political landscape ahead of 2027.