Sifuna asks Oparanya to bless his bid for presidency

Speaking during the movement’s tour of Kakamega on Saturday, August 8, Sifuna described Oparanya as a political elder and asked him to bless his journey as he seeks to lead the country.

“I have a political elder here in Kakamega called Oparanya. I want to tell him that I have no ill feelings towards him, and I am asking him to bless me as I begin this journey of seeking to lead Kenya,” Sifuna said.

Sifuna said he may not have the experience associated with some presidential contenders but argued that wisdom was more important as he sought to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

“Oparanya, you know that Kenya’s problems are a result of Ruto. I do not have the kind of experience people talk about, but what a person needs is wisdom. That is why I have come to ask you to support me. I have come to ask you to help me remove Ruto in 2027,” he said.

"Kazi yako mimi nikishaingia kama kiongozi wa taifa hii, wewe ni kukaa chini ya miti nikuletee maziwa yako na nyama pole pole tu."

Sifuna also renewed his criticism of Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, accusing him of turning against him after he helped campaign for his election.

He recalled being sent to Kakamega by the late Raila Odinga to campaign for Barasa during the 2022 General Election.

“Wakati tulichaguliwa mimi nilitumwa hapa Kakamega na mheshimiwa Raila nikaambiwa nihakikishe Fernandes Barasa amechaguliwa kama gavana wa Kakamega. Lakini yule jamaa alinigeuka style ingine sijawai kuona,” Sifuna said.

He accused Barasa of treating him as an enemy after taking office and claimed the governor was among those who supported his removal from the Orange Democratic Movement.

“Ameninyanyasa. Yeye ndo baadhi ya watu waliokuwa wakipiga makofi wakati nafukuzwa ndani ya chama cha ODM. Nataka kukuambia leo, vile tunapatia Ruto one term, hata Barasa akanyage kubwa kubwa,” he added.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya backed Sifuna’s push for the presidency, arguing that the Luhya community should seek the top seat rather than settle for the deputy presidency.

Natembeya said the Luhya community had repeatedly supported presidential candidates from other communities.

“The Luhya community is the second-largest ethnic community. Every time, we support other people. This time, it is the Luhya’s turn, and we should put a Luhya candidate on the ballot through Edwin Sifuna,” Natembeya said.

He also criticised proposals to offer Luhya leaders the running-mate position, saying the strategy was aimed at dividing the community’s vote.

“This running-mate position that Ruto is dangling, and the one offered to Oparanya, is meant to divide the Luhya vote, and we do not want it,” he said.

“Our older Luhya leaders have repeatedly been used to divide this community. We have had a deputy president before; this time, we want the presidency."

The governor called for unity among Luhya leaders, arguing that a united voting bloc would give the community greater bargaining power in the 2027 election.