Political analyst Herman Manyora has said it will be difficult for Kenya Kwanza leaders to contain the rising political influence of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Speaking during an interview with NTV, Manyora likened Sifuna’s growing popularity to that of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.
He argued that Sifuna has evolved into a political force whose appeal cannot easily be controlled by his rivals.
"How do you deal with a spirit? Sifuna is now becoming like Raila," Manyora said.
The political analyst described Sifuna as
"formless" and "shapeless," suggesting that his political
appeal is difficult to define or suppress.
"But Sifuna is formless, he is shapeless, he is a spirit," he added.
Manyora contrasted Sifuna's rise with that of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, saying the governor's growing popularity was eventually checked by experienced politicians in Western Kenya.
He argued that Natembeya celebrated his political rise too early while seasoned leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, quietly reorganised and slowed his momentum.
"The Malava by-election showed that. Wetang'ula, Oparanya and Mudavadi were watching him and were able to manage him," Manyora said.
He maintained, however, that Sifuna presents a different political challenge because of his unpredictable style and growing national appeal.
Manyora's remarks came after Sifuna held a high-profile political tour of Western Kenya, a series of rallies and grassroots engagements that supporters view as the opening phase of a broader national political campaign ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The tour has placed Western Kenya at the centre of the country's political conversation, with observers watching closely to see whether Sifuna can convert his growing popularity in the region into a wider national movement
Addressing supporters during a roadside rally in Kiminini on Sunday, Sifuna urged residents of Western Kenya to remain united behind his political journey, although he stopped short of declaring a presidential bid.
"I do not want to turn around and find you are not behind me. Remain behind me as I move forward," Sifuna told supporters.
The Nairobi senator also dismissed claims by Kenya Kwanza leaders that the opposition's growing momentum under the Linda Mwananchi Movement would be short-lived.
"Our momentum is not like a newspaper fire that dies out fast as some have said. We will go to the very end," he said.
His remarks appeared to be a response to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who, while addressing public meetings in Vihiga County on Saturday, dismissed the opposition's recent political activities as disorganised and likened their momentum to a "newspaper fire" that burns briefly before dying out.
Sifuna expressed confidence that the opposition would unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, arguing that Kenyans were ready for political change.
