Sifuna vows to reclaim lost political ground as opposition eyes 2027
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has declared that the opposition is rebuilding its strength ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the political setbacks he suffered following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will soon be reversed.
Speaking during the Linda Mwananchi tour in Trans Nzoia County on Saturday, Sifuna said the opposition had endured a difficult period after Raila’s death but was steadily regaining support across the country.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Sifuna said he lost key leadership positions after Raila’s passing.
“When Baba left me as Secretary-General, I was also the Senate Deputy Minority Whip,” Sifuna told supporters.
He added that the changes that followed Raila’s death had stripped him of both positions.
“After Baba passed on, ‘locusts invaded’. They took everything from me. They took away my position as Secretary-General and even my position as Deputy Whip.”
Without naming those he blamed for the changes, Sifuna expressed confidence that his political fortunes would soon improve.
“But within the next 12 months, everything that was eaten by the ‘locusts’ will be restored,” he said.
His remarks came during a stopover in Sibanga as the Linda Mwananchi movement continued a series of rallies aimed at strengthening opposition support before the next election.
Sifuna argued that recent tours across several regions showed the opposition was gaining momentum.
“We have travelled across Kenya. We have been to the Coast, Narok and among the Maasai. There are no votes for Kasongo there,” he said, using a nickname often directed at President William Ruto by some opposition figures.
He maintained that the movement’s growing presence reflected rising public support for a united opposition.
Earlier in the tour, Sifuna said opposition leaders were working towards presenting a single presidential candidate in the 2027 election to avoid splitting votes. He said consultations with leaders from different regions were ongoing and urged supporters to remain united behind a broad coalition.
The rallies in Trans Nzoia drew large crowds as the team visited several trading centres across the county.
Sifuna was joined by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and other leaders aligned with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
He also thanked supporters for contributing financially to the movement through small public donations, saying grassroots fundraising was sustaining its activities.
“They said we don’t have money, but the paybill is bringing in money every day. I thank Kenyans for the many Sh10 contributions. We don’t need Kasongo’s money; we will walk with the power of the citizens,” Sifuna said.
The Linda Mwananchi movement has stepped up public rallies in recent weeks as opposition leaders seek to expand their national support base. Their campaign has largely focused on governance, the economy, unemployment and the rising cost of living.
The Kenya Kwanza administration has consistently defended its record, arguing that its economic policies are aimed at stabilising the economy, creating jobs and improving public services. Government leaders have dismissed opposition criticism and maintain they remain focused on delivering their development agenda ahead of the 2027 election.
About the Author
