Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna…..Photo/IP
By James Wekesi,
BUNGOMA, Kenya
Nairobi Senator and Linda Mwananchi leader Edwin Sifuna has called on the Luo community to reciprocate decades of political support from the Luhya community by backing a Luhya presidential candidate in next year’s general election.
The former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary-general said the time has come for the Luo and Luhya communities to forge a new political partnership to give the Western region an opportunity to produce the country’s next head of state.
Speaking to supporters last weekend while campaigning in the Western region, he argued that the Luhya community has consistently stood with Luo leaders in previous political contests and should now receive similar support in its quest for the presidency.
“This time around, we are asking our Luo nation brothers and sisters to return the favor by supporting us in our journey to State House come August next year,” Sifuna said.
He noted that the proposed alliance should not be viewed merely through the lens of ethnic politics, but rather as a strategic partnership founded on mutual support and shared interests.
The Linda Mwananchi leader also criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing President William Ruto’s government of introducing punitive policies and levies that have increased the financial burden on ordinary Kenyans.
He cited the housing levy, the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), fuel-related levies, and the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), which he claimed have failed to adequately address the challenges facing ordinary citizens.
The Senator stated that the government should focus on reducing the cost of living and improving essential services instead of introducing levies that continue to strain household incomes.
He further accused President Ruto of interfering in the internal affairs of ODM, claiming the intervention triggered divisions within the party and led to the removal of long-serving officials from influential positions.
“Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and I are among those leaders who were removed from key influential ODM positions by leaders imposed on the party,” Sifuna said, adding that Linda Mwananchi now provides an alternative political platform focused on issues affecting everyday Kenyans.
He also criticized the government’s empowerment programs, accusing Kenya Kwanza leaders of using financial assistance and state resources to improperly influence voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
He challenged residents to accept state development projects and financial assistance but remain independent when making their political choices.
The senator cited the Chwele/Kabuchai ward and Ol Kalou by-elections as examples where voters benefited from government support while still electing opposition candidates.
“Let’s emulate our brothers and sisters from Chwele/Kabuchai ward here in Bungoma and the Ol Kalou by-elections, where they took money and goodies from the government but voted for leaders from the opposition outfit,” he said.
He urged residents of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties to demand development projects from the national government while rejecting attempts to use those projects to sway their votes.
“Today, I want to remind President Ruto that the people of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia are demanding their shoes, money, and transformers, just like it was in the Ol Kalou by-election. We need everyone to have transformers,” Sifuna stated.
Sifuna also took issue with ODM’s decision to install Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as the party’s leader following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
He argued that ODM has several senior leaders who should have been considered for the position, questioning the transparency of the party’s leadership transition.
“You remember my address during Baba’s burial in Siaya. I was very clear and said that I will not be among those who will make ODM collapse. They are the ones who chased me from the party,” he said.
The Nairobi senator maintained that Linda Mwananchi has grown beyond a regional political initiative, claiming the outfit has traversed different parts of the country and received significant support from citizens seeking an alternative political direction.
“I can assure you, my people, that we have gone around the country and confirmed that the people have chosen the Linda Mwananchi team,” Sifuna said.
Siaya Governor James Orengo called on residents of Western Kenya to support Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, stating the region must unite behind a candidate capable of challenging President Ruto in the 2027 presidential election.
The veteran politician also criticized the current administration, stating he does not recognize Ruto as the country’s legitimate president.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka added that Western Kenya is firmly behind the Linda Mwananchi initiative, describing the movement as a vehicle through which the region can consolidate its political influence.
Wamboka urged residents to remain united and support leaders who are committed to addressing the region’s economic and development challenges.
Ends.
