Natembeya: Sifuna to Run for President on UDP Ticket in 2027

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna will contest the presidency on a United Democratic Party (UDP) ticket in the upcoming 2027 General Elections, according to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

Natembeya cleared the air during a local radio interview on Thursday, September 24, putting to rest persistent speculation that the senator lacked a clear political vehicle amid alleged friction within the Linda Mwananchi Movement.

The Trans Nzoia county boss confirmed that Sifuna plans to use the UDP, a political outfit originally associated with former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, following a setback at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP). The registrar previously rejected the movement’s application to formally rebrand the entity into the Ukombozi People’s Party (UPP).

“The party is there; Sifuna’s party is called the United Democratic Party; it is the one that we shall use. When we go to the negotiating table to decide who the presidential candidate will be, I believe it will be Edwin Sifuna,” he said.

With the party structure now locked in, Natembeya indicated that Sifuna intends to engage the broader opposition alliance to field a unified challenger against President William Ruto in 2027.

“If Sifuna will vie with UDP or the coalition that we are forming, then so be it,” Natembeya added.

Opposition Leaders Push Back Against Fracture Claims

Addressing lingering rumors about cracks within the opposition, Governor Natembeya brushed off talk of division, pointing to online chatter as the main source of the rumors. He maintained that core opposition figures share a common strategy to settle on a single flag bearer.

“There is just noise on social media; all opposition leaders are united and are speaking in one voice, and soon we shall pick our presidential flag bearer,” he said.

Turning to regional politics, Natembeya made it clear that the Western Kenya electorate will not settle for a running mate slot under President Ruto’s ticket. He noted that the region has historically held the second-in-command position and now aims squarely for the State House.

“Right now, Luhya people are united. Regardless of whom you appoint, whether Oparanya, whether Wetangula, whether Mudavadi, they will not defeat Sifuna,” said Natembeya in an interview at Mulembe FM.

The governor argued that the community rejects any offers to serve as Ruto’s deputy, viewing such proposals as political leverage rather than real power-sharing.

“Do you think a President can come from Sugoi and a Deputy from Kakamega? How would that work? That is how they lie to us, but I believe Ruto is desperate enough to do that. He will say that if he can get votes from Luhya people, then he will appoint a Luhya as his Deputy. As Luhya people, we are not interested. We have had Moody Awori, Musalia Mudavadi, Michael Kijana Wamalwa as Vice Presidents. This time, we want the top,” Natembeya said, underscoring the region’s stance.

Raising the Stakes for 2027 Polls

Looking toward the 2027 vote, Natembeya called for swift election administration, stating that officials should declare the presidential winner within an hour after polling stations close. Extended tallies, he argued, invite systemic vulnerabilities and open doors for results manipulation.

He also issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process, assuring supporters that his political faction stands ready to defend their vote.

Wrapping up his remarks, Natembeya called on politicians and voters across the country to align with the UDP, framing it as a truly national party built to unite Kenyans ahead of the next ballot.

The post Natembeya: Sifuna to Run for President on UDP Ticket in 2027 appeared first on Nairobi Wire.