Sifuna demands action over 'dead voters' remarks as Ruto allies challenge opposition

A fresh political battle has erupted after Linda Mwananchi leaders demanded action against United Democratic Alliance Party (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar over remarks that the dead would be mobilised to vote for President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

At the same time, President Ruto’s allies in the region dismissed efforts by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to unite opposition forces against the President, challenging the opposition to name its presidential candidate if it is serious about mounting a credible challenge in 2027.

The competing positions emerged during the funeral of Elina Wakwabubi, mother of Nominated Senator Consalata Wakwabubi, at Lurende village in Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County, where leaders from both sides intensified their political messaging ahead of the elections.

 

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has emerged as one of the leading voices of the Linda Mwananchi movement, condemned Omar’s remarks and called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to take action.

 

Sifuna said statements suggesting that dead people could participate in elections undermined the credibility of Kenya’s electoral process and disrespected voters.

 

“IEBC is the only body mandated to oversee elections. Action must be taken against him for making such statements since it is disrespecting Kenyans and democracy of the country by eroding the electoral process,” Sifuna said.

 

The senator maintained that Linda Mwananchi supporters would remain committed to using the ballot to remove the Kenya Kwanza administration from power, regardless of what he described as attempts to compromise the electoral process.

 

Sifuna also sought to clarify his political ambitions amid growing calls from some leaders in Western Kenya for him to pursue the presidency or seek the Deputy President’s position in 2027.

 

He rejected suggestions that he was interested in becoming Ruto’s deputy, saying his focus was on changing the country’s leadership rather than pursuing individual positions.

“We are not looking for leadership positions, we want to change the leadership of this country. I have heard my brothers from Western saying they are contented with the DP position, others are dreaming that I can deputise President Ruto. It’s better I remain where I am,” Sifuna said.

He said Linda Mwananchi was founded around six key principles drawn from the Constitution democracy, the rule of law, freedom, equality, social justice, and protection of the fundamental rights and dignity of every Kenyan.

Sifuna argued that the movement’s priorities differed fundamentally from those of the Kenya Kwanza administration, promising that the opposition would field a formidable team to challenge Ruto.

 “As opposition, we are ready to make a bold move and we will have a formidable team which will take Ruto home,” he said. 

He said Kenyans were looking for better public services, including well-equipped hospitals and schools, a conducive environment for businesses and enhanced security for citizens.

 “Kenyans want well-equipped hospitals, schools, good working business environment, a country where citizens are guaranteed of their security,” Sifuna said.

On the economy and investment, Sifuna said disputes involving investors and business people should be resolved within the framework of the law rather than through political interference.

He said investors should be allowed to conduct business freely provided they complied with the Constitution and regulations governing their operations.

The senator was backed by MPs, among them Bumula MP Jack Wamboka and Majimbo Kalasinga, who continued to campaign for his presidential bid, arguing that the Ruto administration had failed to deliver meaningful change to Kenyans.

The opposition leaders’ remarks came as Kenya Kwanza politicians mounted a counter-offensive, with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka and Senator Wafula Wakoli defending Ruto and questioning the opposition’s strategy.

Barasa dismissed Uhuru’s efforts to bring opposition leaders together, arguing that the former President could not deliver the presidency to his political allies after failing to secure it for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga while he was in office.

“Uhuru is lying to our brothers and the opposition that he will deliver the presidency and yet he failed to deliver to our late Raila Odinga when he was in power and all the necessary instruments of power. How will he help them to defeat Ruto when he is outside the government if it is not playing games?” Barasa posed.

The governor urged Western Kenya residents to register as voters in large numbers, saying the region’s numerical strength would be critical in determining its bargaining power after the 2027 elections.

He maintained that supporting Ruto in 2027 would position the region to negotiate for the presidency in 2032.

“If we want to produce a President, let us take votes in large numbers and vote for President Ruto in 2027 so that we will have bargaining power to produce a President in 2032,” Barasa said.

Barasa also challenged the opposition to settle on its presidential candidate, saying the Kenya Kwanza camp had already made its choice.

“Uhuru is trying to take them in circles and they are yet to have their own candidate. We already have our presidential candidate, President Ruto. Let them get ready,” he said.

His remarks underscored the emerging political divide in Western Kenya, where rival camps are increasingly positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 contest while also projecting competing interests for the 2032 succession.

Governor Lusaka struck a more conciliatory tone, urging politicians to avoid personal attacks and hostility despite their political difference

He acknowledged Sifuna’s political competence and defended his right to seek any elective position, saying voters should be allowed to assess competing political platforms before making their decision.

“Sifuna has a democratic right to contest for any seat. This is his moment, and he should be allowed to sell his agenda to the people,” Lusaka said.

The governor urged politicians to embrace tolerance and peaceful coexistence, warning that political competition should not destroy relationships among leaders or communities.

“Politics should not create enmity among leaders. We must learn to coexist, respect one another and tolerate divergent political views,” he said.

Lusaka said political leaders should concentrate on presenting their manifestos and development records rather than attacking their opponents.

“The people are the ones who will decide who they want to elect in 2027. Our responsibility as leaders is to sell our agendas and allow the people to make their choice,” he said.

He challenged the opposition to prepare for the election, saying the Kenya Kwanza camp was already organised behind Ruto.

“We are ready and let them get ready. We don't know their candidate yet. We have Ruto, who is ready to take them head-on,” Lusaka said.

Lusaka also defended the government’s development record, citing ongoing road projects and the planned Sichei Level Six Hospital in Kabuchai as some of the investments expected to improve residents’ lives.

He said the projects would improve healthcare delivery, enhance connectivity, stimulate economic activity and create opportunities for residents across Bungoma County.

The competing messages come as Western Kenya increasingly becomes a key battleground ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with both the opposition and Kenya Kwanza seeking to consolidate support in the region.