From left: Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Bumula MP Jack Wamboka at Mlimani, Kitale, after a consultative strategy meeting where Sifuna was endorsed as the Mulembe community’s 2027 presidential flag-bearer. Photo/IP
KITALE, Kenya
Luhya political leaders allied with the Linda Mwananchi movement have formally endorsed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as their presidential flag bearer for the 2027 general election.
The faction will run an independent, youth-centric campaign targeting the broader national platform directly from their Western Kenya base.
The high-stakes decision was finalized during an intensive, 10-hour closed-door consultative meeting held at the Kitale residence of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
The strategic session exclusively brought together Luhya political figures, including senators, members of parliament, and local assembly representatives, signaling a major realignment within the country’s opposition.
As part of the strategy, the leaders appointed Governor Natembeya as the official regional coordinator and spokesperson for the movement.
Natembeya is tasked with mobilizing the Western Kenya voting bloc to consolidate support for Sifuna’s presidential bid.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who read the resolutions, confirmed that the leaders present had unanimously agreed to rally the five Western region counties behind Sifuna.
“Luhya leaders allied to Linda Mwananchi will rally behind Nairobi Senator Edwin W. Sifuna ahead of the 2027 General Election,” Osotsi said.
Governor Natembeya outlined the group’s immediate roadmap, emphasizing a swift transition to public mobilization.
“We will hold the Linda Mwananchi Rally in Trans Nzoia on July 25, then host a mega homecoming party for Senator Edwin Sifuna on July 26 in Bungoma County,” Natembeya said.
The faction’s next steps involve an aggressive campaign to unite the electorate across Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia counties.
By organizing the upcoming regional rallies and the Bungoma homecoming tour, the leaders plan to aggregate the region’s estimated 5 million votes into a single, independent political force.
In negotiating with other opposition figures, the group has adopted a strict “back up or break up” stance.
Leaders stated they will only enter broader coalitions where Sifuna takes a top executive slot.
If external opposition factions attempt to sideline Sifuna, the group plans to break away entirely from traditional party structures to chart their own national path.
Ends.
