Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s push to build a political vehicle ahead of the 2027 General Election came under fresh scrutiny on Wednesday, with politicians taking different positions on his presidential ambitions and the alliances around him.
Among the latest developments, KANU Nairobi gubernatorial candidate Tony Gachoka called on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) to support Sifuna’s presidential bid.
Gachoka, in a post on X, urged Gachagua and DCP to join a coalition being built around Sifuna.
At the same time, DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala proposed a Gachagua-Sifuna ticket for the 2027 election.
Malala said the opposition should focus on selling its policies to voters. He also accused the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties of frustrating efforts by Sifuna to secure a political vehicle.
The developments come as Sifuna’s allies face a challenge over the name of the party or movement through which he intends to pursue his political ambitions.
Two conflicting letters seeking to reserve the name “Ukombozi” have placed the Registrar of Political Parties at the centre of a dispute involving Sifuna and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Kalonzo and other opposition leaders have rebranded Azimio la Umoja One Coalition as The Ukombozi Alliance, while Sifuna’s allies have claimed that they had sought to use the Ukombozi name for their own political formation.
Sifuna is expected to unveil his political party soon, with Jubilee official Pauline Njoroge saying the new party could be launched within days.
Njoroge also backed Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has previously declared his support for the Nairobi senator’s bid. )
But there has also been pressure on Sifuna to abandon the independent route and return to ODM.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa on Wednesday urged Sifuna to return to the party, arguing that the senator was being used by political allies.
Barasa specifically named Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and Babu Owino, accusing them of playing Sifuna politically. He also pointed to the dispute over the names “Mwananchi” and “Ukombozi” as evidence of the difficulties facing Sifuna’s political project.
The disagreement comes against the backdrop of a wider struggle within the opposition over who should lead the campaign against President William Ruto in 2027.
Kalonzo’s allies are preparing for a weekend retreat at Stone Athi Resort, where they are expected to discuss the opposition’s political roadmap. Sources cited by the publication said the group intends to push Kalonzo’s candidature, including without Gachagua’s support. The same report says Kalonzo’s camp wants Sifuna as his running mate.
Sifuna’s relationship with Siaya Governor James Orengo is another issue attracting attention. The two leaders have been holding discussions as the Linda Mwananchi movement seeks to bring opposition politicians together, despite both having expressed presidential ambitions.
Earlier reports said their talks were intended to find a way of reconciling their ambitions as the movement pushes for a single candidate to face Ruto.
Sifuna has himself repeatedly called for opposition leaders to work together. In a recent statement, he said leaders would have to put aside individual ambitions and work together if they wanted to mount a serious challenge in 2027.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi was urging Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to support Sifuna’s presidential bid after joining Linda Mwananchi.
Jubilee Deputy Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge has also publicly backed Sifuna, arguing that he should occupy a prominent position in the opposition coalition because of his appeal among younger voters.
