Sifuna gets the nod from Luhya leaders to face Ruto in 2027
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Nairobi Senator and the Orange Democratic Movement Party secretary-general Edwin Sifuna has received a major boost in his quest for the country's top leadership after he got backing from a section of elders of Mulembe Nation to face President William Ruto in the 2027 election.
On Saturday in Kabuchai in Bungoma, during the funeral of Patrick Wangamati, the father of former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, Mr Sifuna was fronted as the community’s kingpin.
At the same time, the community outlined a team to unite the Luhya. The line-up includes MPs Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Caleb Amisi (Saboti), Wilberforce Oundo (Funyula), Jack Wamboka (Bumula) Democratic Action Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, his Kakamega Counterpart Boni Khalwale, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Mr Sifuna.
The leaders cut across the five counties of Western: Busia, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Kakamega and Vihiga.
“This is a strong team that will guide the Luhya community, and our striker to face Ruto will be Edwin Sifuna,” said Mr Wamboka.
He also vowed to rally his colleagues to shoot down the Finance Bill, saying it will increase the burden of the high cost of living to the common mwananchi.
Dr Khalwale slammed the Luhya Council of Elders for steering the community the ‘wrong way’, saying they should pave the way for young leaders to steer the Mulembe Nation.
“We respect our Luhya council of elders but I believe they have outlived their time. We have stood strong with Natembeya, Khalwale, Oundo, and all the leaders in the line-up. We have a formula and now Sifuna knows that you have a responsibility like no one else. If you see us who came before you respect you, know that we want power and development for our people, period,” he said.
Dr Khalwale said they do not want President Ruto re-elected as he has failed in running the government.
Senator Osotsi, who is affiliated to the Linda Mwananchi faction of ODM, said they would rally behind Mr Sifuna to transform the fortunes of the community.
“In Vihiga County, we are standing behind Sifuna in the Linda Mwananchi team and we are asking you to support us,” said Mr Osotsi.
Mr Sifuna said, “They described me as a flame that will just die down, but now this fire has proven that it can cook a whole plate of Ugali and still last. Removing Ruto will sort 80 per cent of the problems we have as a country.”
Mr Sifuna urged the community to allow him to seek partnership across the country to oust President Ruto. “My only plea with you, my people, is to allow me to walk and partner with like-minded leaders and others across the nation so that we have a big team to send Ruto home.”
Mr Sifuna criticised President Ruto for allowing the establishment of an Ebola isolation facility in the country.
“Americans are sending away their own citizens who are infected with Ebola, yet one person wants to open the doors for the infected Americans,” he said.
Governor Natembeya said that the political leadership named at the funeral would transform the politics of the Luhya community.
“That is the line-up that will liberate the people of Mulembe. These people are afraid of us because it is our unity that will save the country, and the year is 2027,” he said.
“We are very capable of leading this country. My job is to unite the Luhya to have a strong base and if it is Sifuna we have fronted, he will have a major backing.”
Governor Natembeya said they would not accept politics of tokenism introduced by pro-government leaders. “Anyone who is walking with Ruto now will have no place next year when we have already given our people direction. We will not allow them,” he said.
Mr Wamalwa, the DAP-K Party leader, said the opposition would work with the Linda Mwananchi team and other leaders to ensure that Dr Ruto is not re-elected.
He said that his team would be touring Bungoma next week.
“We are one team with Linda Mwananchi. We want to be united to ensure Ruto is a one-term president. Next week, we shall tell you why he must go home in 2027,” said Mr Wamalwa.
Ugenya MP David Ochieng, who was also at the funeral, urged the leaders not to be intimidated.
“Sifuna and Natembeya don’t tire and do not be scared. The late Wangamati would like to see these strong youthful spirits in you continue burning,” said Mr Ochieng.
As he delivered a condolence message, Webuye West MP Daniel Wanyama was heckled for supporting President Ruto’s re-election.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa said the people will judge leaders by their development track record.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Moses Wetang’ula, chose to reach out to youthful leaders and strike a reconciliatory tone at the funeral.
“I am talking to the young leaders. At our age, we do not have time to fight with our rivals in funerals; we come to condole with the bereaved family. And when we want a rally, we call you to Posta grounds to talk politics,” he said.
“Politics is politics, it should not be personal. Let us continue loving each other. You never know where you will be tomorrow.”
He also listed some of the development projects President Ruto has initiated in Bungoma County.
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