Sifuna Gains Fresh Support as Pressure Mounts on Mudavadi and Wetang’ula Ahead of 2027

Edwin Sifuna’s political ambitions have received a major boost after a group of influential Western Kenya leaders called on the community to rally behind a younger leader ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The leaders want Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to be considered for the presidency, arguing that the time has come for a new generation to take up the country’s top leadership position.

Their remarks have placed Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula under fresh pressure as political realignments continue to take shape before Kenyans return to the ballot.

The push for Sifuna gained momentum during the funeral of former Cabinet minister and ambassador Burudi Nabwera last weekend.

Former Cabinet minister Fred Gumo was among those who openly supported the senator, insisting that the Luhya community should unite behind one presidential candidate instead of splitting its votes among several leaders.

Gumo was joined by other prominent figures, including Luhya Council of Elders chairman Noah Wekesa and former minister Musikari Kombo.

Kombo argued that Mudavadi and Wetang’ula, both over 60 years old, should give younger leaders an opportunity to compete for the country’s top seat.

Former Webuye MP Joash Wamang’oli also praised Sifuna’s ability to attract crowds, comparing his political appeal to that of former US President Barack Obama.

However, the growing support for Sifuna comes at a time when opposition leaders are still struggling to agree on how and when to select a joint presidential candidate.

On Monday, October 26, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hosted Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County.

The meeting focused on possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections, but the leaders reportedly disagreed on when to announce their preferred presidential candidate.

Kalonzo’s team favoured making the announcement by December 2026, while Gachagua’s side wanted to wait longer, citing fears that an early declaration could expose the opposition to political interference.

Meanwhile, another political contest is developing in the Gusii region, where allies of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i are reportedly concerned about President William Ruto’s growing influence.

Several local leaders have attended meetings organised to prepare for Ruto’s planned tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties.

The region has nearly one million registered voters, making it an important battleground in the coming election.

With different camps competing for influence, the big question remains whether Sifuna can turn the growing enthusiasm around his name into a united national political movement.

Will Western Kenya rally behind him, or will established leaders retain their influence as the 2027 race gathers momentum?

Source:https://tuko.co.ke/644347-kenyan-newspapers-oct-27-sifuna-wins-big-key-western-constituency-ditches-mudavadi-wetangula.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tuko&utm_content=pp&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8yNzUyNTQ2OTI1OTgyNzkAAR4hHHpjX_kUjzKf68zrWsUHO8YKVkSyU-ArK75uK5c9vL_hGe13fuvdmGm1kg_aem_pVXsi0U4akMc3EGNZqB3Hg

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