Revealed: Sifuna factor behind delay in naming joint opposition flagbearer

Fresh details have emerged on the high-stakes political calculations delaying the unveiling of a joint opposition presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Star has established that opposition principals are currently engaged in spirited efforts to court the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi movement.

Sources within the opposition say the coalition, spearheaded by DCP boss Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, is deliberately holding back on naming a candidate as it seeks to consolidate support from like-minded factions.

At the centre of their focus is Sifuna’s camp, which is still weighing its position amid internal divisions within ODM.

The Linda Mwananchi Group has taken the country by storm, with analysts indicating it could form a third force in the 2027 polls.

The movement, led by among others Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, has gained traction as a reformist platform and a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The opposition strategy, insiders reveal, is also informed by fears that an early declaration could expose the candidate to political and administrative pressure from President William Ruto’s camp.

“Active engagements are going on. We have been reaching out to them and they are receptive, but they are still assessing the situation within ODM,” a senior opposition legislator told the Star.

According to the source, the opposition is keen to avoid a premature announcement that could give President Ruto room to counter-mobilise or peel away potential allies before the coalition is fully formed.

“We don’t want to take any chances. The objective is to ensure Ruto is completely isolated politically when the time comes,” the lawmaker said.

The opposition is instead seeking to replicate what insiders describe as a “Kibaki moment” — a reference to the late former President Mwai Kibaki’s late endorsement as a unified opposition candidate just months before the 2002 election, a move widely credited with catching the ruling KANU off guard.

In that election, Kibaki’s last-minute endorsement under the National Rainbow Coalition banner proved decisive in ending KANU’s decades-long hold on power.

Similarly, opposition strategists now believe that unveiling a candidate closer to the election could deny Ruto the advantage of early political targeting.

Gachagua has publicly defended the delay, urging supporters to exercise patience as coalition talks continue.

“If we name a candidate now, he will be frustrated by Ruto. I want you to relax. Let us prepare our party this year,” Gachagua said at a recent rally.

He hinted at ongoing negotiations with Sifuna’s team, posing rhetorically, “We are also waiting for the Sifuna team — aren’t they coming? You want us to be in a hurry; can’t we wait for them?”

Gachagua also claimed that several senior government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries, have privately reached out to him.

“All I can tell you is that there is commitment. We will field one candidate,” he said.

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, a close ally of Gachagua, echoed the sentiment, insisting the coalition is intentionally keeping the door open for new entrants.

“There is no hurry. We will name a candidate, but not this year. We don’t want to lock out anyone who shares our vision,” Muriu said.

In recent public appearances, Sifuna has signalled openness to working with other opposition forces while maintaining that unity — not fragmentation — remains the ultimate goal.

“We must be one force against Ruto. We must defeat him by at least five million votes to truly send a message,” Sifuna said in a recent television interview.

“Linda Mwananchi’s goal is not to split votes.”

Sifuna argued that only a decisive electoral margin would send a clear signal on governance and accountability.

“There is a general feeling among Kenyans that we need an overwhelming repudiation of Ruto and everything he stands for,” he said.

“It has to be overwhelming. We must beat him by at least five million votes.”

Addressing concerns that his movement could divide the opposition vote, Sifuna sought to reassure potential allies.

“I want to assure anyone who believes our country cannot afford another five-year term for Ruto — we will not be the problem,” he said.

The overtures toward Sifuna’s camp have been explicit. In December last year, Gachagua extended an open invitation to Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to join his Democratic Change Party (DCP) or affiliate parties.

“Babu, if you are chased from ODM, come to DCP. If you feel uncomfortable, go to Wiper, our partner,” Gachagua said.

Political analysts say Sifuna’s rising profile has made him an attractive ally in the evolving opposition matrix.

Analyst Joseph Mutua notes that Sifuna has successfully leveraged media visibility into political capital, positioning himself as a prominent national figure.

“Over the past few months, Sifuna has managed to convert media visibility into political capital,” Mutua said.

“The Linda Mwananchi movement has given him a reformist image and expanded his appeal among voters disillusioned with the current administration.”

Mutua added that the movement’s emphasis on accountability has resonated strongly with younger voters, enhancing Sifuna’s national standing.

However, some observers caution that Sifuna’s influence, while growing, may not be sufficient on its own to mount a formidable presidential challenge.

DAP-Kenya Western coordinator Caleb Burudi argues that coalition-building remains essential, particularly in vote-rich regions such as Western Kenya.

“Sifuna and his team cannot go it alone in 2027. If we are to remove Ruto, we must consolidate and speak with one voice,” Burudi said.

“That means working with parties that already have structures on the ground. Unity is not optional — it is the path to victory.”

Burudi emphasised that while Sifuna’s messaging has energised sections of the electorate, defeating an incumbent president will require disciplined coordination and strategic alignment across opposition strongholds.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The opposition has delayed naming a 2027 presidential flagbearer to court Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement and avoid early political pressure from President William Ruto. Leaders such as Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka aim to build a broad coalition and replicate a late “Kibaki moment” strategy. Sifuna insists on unity and denies plans to split votes. Analysts say his rising influence strengthens the opposition but must be backed by wider alliances to mount a credible challenge.