Sifuna stands firm on 2027 presidential bid, tells Luhyas to reject ‘number two’ deal

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is standing firm on his presidential ambitions, while accusing leaders from his backyard allied to President William Ruto of settling for less.

Sifuna says the Luhya community would be making a political miscalculation by bargaining for the Deputy President’s seat in Ruto’s government, insisting it deserves a bigger stake in the country’s leadership.

He was speaking at the burial of Elina Wakwabubi, mother of nominated Senator Consalata Wakwabubi even as the opposition presidential ticket remains the biggest puzzle 10 months to the 2027 General Election, while in government different communities are jostling for the DP seat.

The Linda Mwananchi principal maintains that he is in the presidential race for the long haul.

"Nimeskia wengine hapa Western wanasema ati wao wakipewa number 2 wako sawa, number 2 wa nani? Wa mtu naina gani? Afadhali nibaki mahali niko. Hatutafuti nafasi za uongozi, tunataka kubadilisha nchi hii yetu,” he said.

Leaders from the region are throwing their weight behind Sifuna, with some allied to the government from the region admitting it is a Sifuna moment.

"Jamii ya Mluhya tumetafuta uongozi kwa miaka mingi lakini mahali imefika tumepata kiongozi,” stated Bumula MP Jack Wamboka.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka added, "There is a moment that we have leaders that come, this is a Sifuna moment, we have leaders; even that time Wamalwa Kijana stood for presidency."

Earlier, at the Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi, Linda Mwananchi leaders dismissed claims of a fallout within the movement, describing them as a government-led smear campaign.

The leaders also rallied their supporters to turn up in large numbers for the planned Jacaranda Grounds rally.

"Tunaona bloggers wanasema sisi tumeachana, hakuna kitu kama hiyo,” said Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

Linda Mwananchi leaders have accused President William Ruto of having vested interests in the closure of Tata Chemicals Magadi, insisting the dispute should be resolved through the courts rather than roadside declarations.