With the rising popularity of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, pro-government politicians have intensified efforts to curb his influence in his Western Kenya political base.
The Linda Mwananchi rally scheduled for July 26 in Bungoma has already sparked anxiety among politicians allied to Mr Sifuna as well as those supporting the government.
The rally, to be held at Posta Grounds, is expected to see a section of Luhya elders symbolically endorse Mr Sifuna as the region's political kingpin and hand him the mantle of leadership as he pursues his 2027 presidential ambitions.
On the eve of the event, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya will host the Linda Mwananchi brigade in Kitale Town for a rally.
Both Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties are predominantly inhabited by the Bukusu, the Luhya sub-community from which Mr Sifuna hails. Former Vice President Wamalwa Kijana and multipartism hero Masinde Muliro are among the key political players who have hailed from the sub-tribe.
Linda Mwananchi team led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi-East MP Babu Owino arrive at Mazembe Grounds in Nakuru on April 19, 2026.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
Reports indicate that Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, a fierce critic of the former ODM secretary-general, is planning a separate rally in Bungoma Town on the same day.
The legislator did not respond to Nation's calls or text messages seeking to confirm or deny the reports.
Mr Barasa has already declared that he will contest the Bungoma governorship on a UDA ticket in 2027 and has been running well-oiled campaigns.
Mr Barasa and Mr Sifuna have clashed in funeral gatherings and public events, and with both camps expected in Bungoma, tensions are already rising ahead of the rally.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa briefs media at his office on August 27, 2022.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
Former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi has criticised what he described as the anti-Sifuna campaign being driven by politicians from the Mulembe Nation who, he said, should instead be supporting one of their own.
"I call upon our people to come out in large numbers to receive the team led by our son, Hon. Sifuna. During the tour of the United Opposition, there were attempts by some Kenya Kwanza leaders to disrupt our meetings," he said.
"We are reliably informed that they are also planning to disrupt and cause chaos during the upcoming Linda Mwananchi tour. The people have decided it's wantam ," added Mr Wamunyinyi ahead of the rally.
Whenever Mr Sifuna and Mr Barasa attend the same political event, large sections of the crowd often leave when Mr Barasa finishes speaking.
During the burial of Patrick Wangamati, the father of former Bungoma Governor Wafula Wangamati, Mr Barasa left with a sizable crowd after addressing mourners. Mr Sifuna criticised him, accusing him of luring voters with cash.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna addressing a Linda Mwananchi rally at Mazembe Grounds in Nakuru City on April 19, 2026.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
"When Sifuna rises to speak, he (Didmus) leaves to make people line up for Sh200. Whenever there is a vote in parliament over tax increase, he votes yes so that you can suffer, then give you money," said Mr Sifuna.
Mr Barasa later claimed that the late Mr Wangamati had appeared to him in a dream to thank him for giving mourners money during the funeral, in remarks widely interpreted as a jibe at Mr Sifuna.
During the burial of the brother of Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka on July 5, Mr Sifuna insisted that Mr Barasa speak last as a way of discouraging him from walking away with mourners after his speeches.
However, the strategy appeared to backfire. Mr Barasa spoke last and accused some Linda Mwananchi leaders of being selfish and mean for alleging that he distributes money to crowds.
A confrontation later erupted between him and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, prompting Mr Barasa to cut short his speech and leave with a large crowd.
If the Sifuna-Barasa rivalry plays out in Bungoma on July 26, it could heighten tensions in the town at a time when incidents of goons disrupting political meetings have been on the rise.
Despite Mr Sifuna being a native of Bungoma County, leaders allied to Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang'ula have repeatedly argued that he is not yet ready for the presidency.
Of Bungoma's elected leadership, the nine MPs, the Woman Representative, Senator and Governor, only Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga have openly backed Mr Sifuna's presidential bid.
Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, who is coordinating President William Ruto's re-election campaign in Western Kenya, has consistently dismissed Mr Sifuna's presidential ambitions, arguing that the region should instead aim for the presidency in 2032.
"Be careful of Kenyans. They can kill your political career. Kenyans can hype you to go for the presidency, but when it comes to voting, they step aside and leave you out to suffer," he said.
In an apparent effort to counter Mr Sifuna's growing influence, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has stepped up his political activities across Western Kenya through empowerment programmes and meetings with grassroots leaders.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula (right) and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot during a Ruto 'Tutam Rally' in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County on July 3, 2026.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
Last weekend, Mr Wetang'ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi were booed at Kanduyi Stadium during the finals of the Western Region Secondary Schools Term Two Ball Games.
Youths chanting Mr Sifuna's name drowned out the leaders with boos as the two politicians made their way into the stadium.
The same weekend, Mr Wetang'ula met women grassroots leaders from Bungoma, where he campaigned for President Ruto's re-election, highlighting projects already implemented in the region and others currently underway.
Last week alone, the Speaker held five meetings in Bungoma County and two others in Navakholo and Matungu constituencies in neighbouring Kakamega County.
He has before presided over empowerment meetings in Busia, Vihiga and neighbouring Trans Nzoia counties.
As Mr Wetang'ula maintains an active presence across Western Kenya, Mr Mudavadi also toured Trans Nzoia County last week, where he reiterated that the region's best chance of producing a president would come in 2032.
"I am not interested in the running mate slot; I aim to be the president in 2032," he said in Kiminini Constituency.
In Western Kenya, President Ruto leads with 35 per cent support, compared to Mr Sifuna's 26 per cent.
At several public events, leaders campaigning for President Ruto's re-election have been shouted down, while others have found themselves under pressure from crowds demanding they acknowledge the Nairobi senator's growing influence.
