Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has signalled an imminent exit from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying he is shopping for a new political vehicle to propel his 2027 political agenda.
The declaration comes weeks after he was removed as the party's Secretary-General and stripped of his Senate leadership position, deepening his fallout with the Orange party.
Speaking during a Linda Mwananchi political rally at Posta Grounds in Bungoma Town on Sunday, Sifuna urged his supporters to allow him to open a new chapter by backing a new political outfit.
"My people, allow me to look for another political vehicle and support it because that is the vehicle that will take us to the ballot," Sifuna told the cheering crowd.
Sifuna likened the wrangles that have rocked ODM following Raila Odinga's death to a family torn apart after losing its patriarch.
"Nobody anticipated Raila Odinga's death. It is like a family where the father dies and people invade the home, steal what belongs to the widow and children and walk away with it," he said.
Sifuna revealed how he promised not to break Raila Odinga's party, but some individuals out of their selfish interests have disintegrated it.
Despite losing his party and Senate positions, Sifuna said his political fortunes would soon change.
"I have been stripped of my positions, but in less than 12 months everything I have lost will be restored," he said.
Sifuna dismissed claims that lack of financial muscle would derail his presidential bid, saying ordinary Kenyans had already begun funding his campaign through public contributions.
"They say we do not have money to run a presidential campaign. From Kitale to Bungoma, members of the public have continued contributing through our pay bill number. I would rather owe ordinary wananchi than receive Sh1 billion from individuals who will later come to State House demanding favours," he said.
The rally also served as a show of unity for the Linda Mwananchi movement, with several opposition leaders throwing their weight behind Sifuna's presidential bid.
Siaya Governor James Orengo declared that he was the leader of the Linda Mwananchi faction and pledged to stand firmly behind Sifuna throughout the 2027 presidential race.
"As the leader of Linda Mwananchi, I will stand with Sifuna all the way. The journey to 2027 has started, and we must be prepared," Orengo said.
He argued that the 10-point agenda that gave rise to the broad-based government had not been implemented and accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to honour its commitments.
Orengo also warned against any attempts to manipulate the 2027 General Election, saying Kenyans would protect their votes.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya dismissed speculation of a rivalry between him and Sifuna, saying he had abandoned his own ambitions to support the Nairobi senator.
"Many people thought we would fight, but I have decided to support Sifuna because when leaders come together, victory is achieved," Natembeya said.
He urged the Luhya community to unite behind Sifuna, arguing that the region had supported presidential candidates from other communities for decades and should now rally behind one of its own.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi revealed that plans were underway to establish a new political party that would sponsor Sifuna's presidential bid.
"We are going to create a new party, and Sifuna will be its presidential candidate so that as he negotiates with other leaders, he does so from the position of a presidential candidate," Osotsi said.
Osotsi added that anyone seeking the support of the Western region would have to engage Sifuna, insisting the community was determined to produce the country's next President.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka called on opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang'i, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua and Rigathi Gachagua to unite behind Sifuna, saying he presented the strongest chance of defeating President Ruto.
"All of you are good leaders, but the best person to defeat President Ruto is Edwin Watenya Sifuna. We appeal to you to support him," Wamboka said.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also endorsed Sifuna's candidature, recalling that the Nairobi senator had stood by him during difficult moments in ODM.
The Bungoma rally marked Sifuna's strongest indication yet that he intends to chart a political path outside ODM as he positions himself to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 General Elections.
