Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has thrown his weight behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's possible presidential bid, saying his age should not stand in the way of his ambitions.
Prof Kibwana, in a post on X on Sunday, compared Sifuna with Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office at the age of 44.
Sifuna will be 45 in 2027, when Kenya goes to the polls.
“HE @PR_Diomaye of Senegal became President at 44. 2027 @edwinsifuna will be 45,” Prof Kibwana said.
The remarks come as Sifuna's name increasingly features in discussions about the opposition's choice of a candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 election.
Prof Kibwana said the opposition must eventually settle on one candidate but questioned why Sifuna should be left out of the conversation.
“True the opposition must democratically choose one presidential candidate,” he said.
“But you mean SIFUNA, BABA’s reincarnation, shielded by a BABU Nairobi governor, cannot lift a Sword, Bible & Constitution?”
The former governor's comments add to growing calls from some opposition supporters for Sifuna to consider running for president.
Sifuna has not declared his candidature but has previously said he would not turn down the opportunity if Kenyans collectively settled on him.
The senator has in recent months become one of the most visible figures in the opposition, particularly through the Linda Mwananchi movement, where his speeches and public appearances have fuelled speculation about his political ambitions.
His supporters argue that he represents a younger generation that could bring fresh energy to the opposition. They have also pointed to his ability to connect with young voters and speak forcefully on national issues.
But Sifuna would face a crowded field if he decides to join the race.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has made it clear that he intends to contest the presidency again. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i are also among opposition figures whose names have been linked to the race.
The challenge for the opposition will be finding a way to settle on one candidate without triggering fresh divisions.
Kalonzo has maintained that the opposition needs unity to mount a serious challenge against Ruto, while leaders allied to different opposition formations have continued to push their preferred candidates.
There has also been speculation about a possible Kalonzo-Sifuna ticket, although no formal agreement has been announced.
Kalonzo has previously indicated that he would be open to supporting Sifuna, adding to the growing debate over the Nairobi senator's future.
Prof Kibwana's intervention now shifts attention to a question that could become more prominent as the election draws closer — whether Kenya's opposition is ready to hand its presidential ticket to a younger politician.
For years, Kenya's presidential contests have been dominated by veteran politicians who have spent decades building national networks and political machines.
Sifuna, at 45 in 2027, would offer a sharp contrast to that tradition.
Prof Kibwana's comparison with Faye appears to suggest that age should not be used to dismiss him before the opposition has even begun the process of choosing its candidate.
For now, Sifuna has made no formal declaration. But with his name gaining traction within opposition circles, pressure on him to make his intentions clear is likely to grow.
And as the battle for the opposition ticket takes shape, Prof Kibwana's message is clear: Sifuna's age should not be the reason he is kept out of the race.
