Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna/HANDOUT
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has said he will only decide whether to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election after taking the Linda Mwananchi movement to all 47 counties to gauge its national appeal.
Speaking during an interview with Western Kenya FM radio stations, Sifuna said the movement's immediate focus is expanding its grassroots presence across the country before making any decisions on a presidential ticket.
"We want to push our Linda Mwananchi movement until it becomes consequential such that when we say we will have a presidential candidate and a running mate, we indeed stand a chance of winning the election," Sifuna said.
He noted that Linda Mwananchi has so far held rallies in only 14 counties, arguing that it would be premature to make a presidential declaration before testing its support nationally.
"We have had rallies in only 14 counties. We have not gone to 33 counties and we must visit them as well. You need to be sure if the excitement is just in one corner of the country or it is everywhere," he said.
Sifuna said the nationwide tour would help determine whether the movement enjoys broad-based support capable of meeting the constitutional threshold required to win a presidential election.
"You know the Constitution says you must get 25 per cent of the votes in half the counties," he said.
"I want to go to Turkana, Mandera, Garissa, Tana River. When I am done with all the counties, I will answer you when you ask if I will contest for the presidency," Sifuna said.
His remarks come amid growing calls from supporters for him to enter the 2027 presidential race.
The push for Sifuna's candidature has gathered momentum through the Linda Mwananchi movement, youth groups and grassroots coalitions, with supporters portraying him as a youthful and outspoken alternative capable of mounting a formidable challenge against the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.
The campaign has also received backing from several opposition leaders.
Earlier this month, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi announced that Luhya leaders aligned to the Linda Mwananchi movement had resolved to rally behind Sifuna ahead of the 2027 elections.
Osotsi said the decision was reached during a strategy meeting at the home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, where leaders discussed their political roadmap.
Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has also publicly proposed a nationwide fundraising campaign to support a possible Sifuna presidential bid.
Despite the growing endorsements, Sifuna has consistently maintained that launching a presidential campaign requires more than public enthusiasm.
His latest remarks suggest he is prioritising building a national political movement and testing its reach across Kenya before making what would be the biggest political decision of his career.
