Something profound is happening in Western Kenya. At funerals and public gatherings, speakers must state whether they support ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and his 'Linda Mwananchi' faction, in order to sustain the attention of the audience.
Confirming support instantly earns one attention, while expressing any other opinion will potentially cut short the speech.
The new political wave has rattled the old guard politicians of Western Kenya, many of whom appear to be battling for political survival, while rallying the community to back President William Ruto's re-election bid.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi makes his remarks during the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation (STRI) Week at KICC, Nairobi on May 22, 2026.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula have dominated the region's politics since the death of former Vice-President Kijana Wamalwa in 2003.
While Mr Mudavadi hails from the Maragoli sub-tribe, the second-largest group within the Luhya community, both Mr Sifuna and Mr Wetang'ula are members of the Bukusu sub-tribe, the largest within the community and one that has traditionally wielded considerable influence in the region's politics.
However, Mr Sifuna's growing influence both in Western Kenya and nationally has presented a challenge not only to the region's seasoned politicians, but also to leaders within the opposition camp, many of whom are increasingly finding themselves playing second fiddle to the Nairobi senator on the national political stage.
His popular slogan, "Mimi ndiye Sifuna ", has resonated strongly with youthful voters, particularly Gen Z. Combined with his sharp oratory skills and captivating speeches, it has elevated him into the ranks of Kenya's political heavyweights.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna address a Linda Mwananchi politcal rally at Mazembe Grounds in Nakuru City on April 19, 2026.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
Last weekend, Mr Sifuna's growing political stature was evident during the burial of former nominated MP and chairman of the Luhya Council of Elders, Mzee Patrick Wangamati, at Khachonge Village in Kabuchai Constituency. Wangamati was the father of former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati.
At the funeral, opposition leaders and veteran politician Noah Wekesa openly endorsed Mr Sifuna as the region's emerging kingpin and criticised Mr Wetang'ula and Mr Mudavadi for allegedly failing to address the region's persistent challenges.
Mr Sifuna has not publicly declared whether he intends to vie for the presidency or seek re-election as Nairobi senator. Prior to 2022, he had never held an elective political office, having unsuccessfully contested both the Kanduyi parliamentary seat and the Nairobi Senate seat in 2017.
The support Mr Sifuna has received from a section of leaders and elders in Western Kenya has irked Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who argues that the senator is still politically inexperienced, lacks the resources required for a serious presidential campaign.
Mr Lusaka claimed that Mr Sifuna is being pushed by individuals who may ultimately abandon him at his hour of need.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka speaking during the burial of Patrick Wangamati, the father of former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, in Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County on May 30, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
"We have no hate. As Luhya we want to produce a president and that is the truth, but we have to plan. If you are given money for a campaign, which day will you become president?" posed Mr Lusaka during a public event in Bungoma County.
The second-term governor is a close ally of Mr Wetang'ula and serves as President Ruto's campaign coordinator in the Western region ahead of the 2027 elections.
"We are telling our son (Sifuna), come slowly. When the time comes we will support you. Yes, you have the calling but timing is important. They are pushing to use you, then dump you and leave you to political oblivion," added Mr Lusaka.
The governor argued that Mr Sifuna's political prospects would be better served after President Ruto completes his tenure. He further dismissed suggestions that a running mate position within the opposition would not be sufficient compensation for the region, noting that Western Kenya has already produced three vice-presidents: the late Kijana Wamalwa, Mr Mudavadi and Moody Awori.
"When the time comes we will support you. I have been in politics for a long time. Let them first announce their presidential candidate so that we can see what they are offering the Luhya community. For now, let us support President Ruto as we plan for our time in 2032," he added.
At Mzee Wangamati's funeral, the divisions between the two camps were evident as Mr Lusaka and Mr Wetang'ula arrived after opposition leaders had spent much of the day attacking the Kenya Kwanza administration.
According to Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, the region's old guard leaders still command respect, but their current political positioning risks isolating them and prematurely ending their careers.
"Sifuna will not be lured into playing the retrogressive politics of Luhya supremacy because this is the cancer that has denied our community opportunities for far too long. It has been perfected by pretenders to the throne who use it for their individual benefit," said the former ODM deputy party leader.
"He has cultivated a national image and acceptance across all communities, and we are keen to maintain that even as we work towards a united nation," he added.
Mr Osotsi dismissed claims that Mr Sifuna is too young or politically inexperienced, arguing that what matters is the quality of leadership he offers.
"They must be reminded that Obama served only two years as a senator before becoming President of the United States. Additionally, there are many examples of leaders who emerged and became presidents of their countries. Kenyans are looking for fresh leadership and Sifuna provides that hope," said Mr Osotsi.
While Mr Wetang'ula has remained active politically through both government engagements and Ford Kenya activities, Mr Mudavadi has largely focused on government assignments and has frequently accompanied President Ruto on foreign trips.
Mr Mudavadi's decision to dissolve the ANC party and merge with UDA has, according to political analysts, diminished his political identity both in Western Kenya and nationally.
Many observers believe the folding ANC weakened Mr Mudavadi's bargaining power because he no longer commands elected leaders under his own political vehicle.
Mzee Noah Wekesa believes Mr Sifuna's rise is undeniable and that he must be included in any future political arrangement.
"Even as people speak and anchor political negotiations, we are going to be represented by Mr Sifuna. He has to be there," said Mr Wekesa, 89, a former Cabinet Minister and Kwanza MP.
Kakamega Senator Dr Boni Khalwale.
Photo credit: Isaac Wale | Nation Media Group
Dr Khalwale argues that both Mr Wetang'ula and Mr Mudavadi have failed to provide effective leadership for the community.
"Luhyas are no longer fools and we shall not be taken for granted. We have a formula and Edwin Sifuna, you have a responsibility like no one else. Use the respect we have given you for power and development for this region," said Dr Khalwale during a rally in Bungoma over the weekend.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya lamented the lack of meaningful development in Western Kenya and criticised leaders who continue to urge residents to wait until 2032.
"Leaders of this region are jealous and enjoy seeing others being persecuted. Those who are working with Ruto, we will not allow you to join us. My work is to unite the Luhya community and if it is Sifuna, we shall be behind him," said Mr Natembeya, who is affiliated with the United Opposition.
Although he has not openly clashed with Mr Sifuna, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa also appears to recognise the senator's growing influence and has acknowledged the need for the opposition to work with him.
"We are a team and we also invite Sifuna to join us to beat President Ruto," said Mr Wamalwa during a funeral in Navakholo Constituency.
United Opposition leaders address the media in Nairobi on March 05, 2026.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Other key figures in the United Opposition include former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua , Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka , Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, PLP leader Martha Karua and Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang'i.
Even within the opposition, Mr Sifuna's growing popularity has unsettled existing political calculations. Mr Musyoka has repeatedly indicated that he is willing to work with the youthful politician to unseat President Ruto.
According to a poll released by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) last month, Mr Sifuna's emergence could trigger further political realignments within the opposition.
The Kalonzo-Sifuna ticket emerged as a strong option among opposition supporters, attracting 28 per cent support, second only to the Kalonzo-Matiang'i pairing, which garnered 31 per cent.
Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka accused Mr Wetang'ula of being hostile towards emerging leaders such as Mr Sifuna, whom he described as a threat to those seeking to hold the community hostage for personal gain.
"We know one person who does not want others to rise and I wanted to speak when the Speaker (Wetang'ula) was here. He was even after the former governor (Wycliffe Wangamati) after the election loss. A whole Speaker calling himself number three is lying about development," said Mr Wamboka, who has had a bitter fallout with Mr Wetang'ula.
Mr Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi movement have since held well-attended rallies in Busia, Vihiga and Kakamega counties, demonstrating his growing political influence and ability to challenge the region's established political order.
