Bukusu elders host Sifuna, signal backing for 2027 ambitions

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna accompanied by other ODM party members when he addressed the media after removal as the Party Secretary General on February 12, 2026.[Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

A high-stakes political meeting between Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Bukusu Council of Elders in Bungoma County has ignited fresh debate over Western Kenya’s 2027 succession politics, with elders signaling support for his growing national ambitions.

Sifuna on Saturday met the Council of Elders at the rural home of former Cabinet minister Mukhisa Kituyi in Mbakalo, Tongaren Constituency.
Dr Kituyi, who serves as the United Opposition spokesman, said the meeting was convened to formally introduce and welcome Sifuna to the Bukusu community, while also consolidating support for his rising political profile.

“The meeting is meant to welcome Sifuna into the now-united alternative leadership and support his role at the national level, particularly in the push for what we consider a ‘third liberation’,” Kituyi said.

He added that the opposition had not previously found an opportunity to formally present Sifuna before the elders, describing the engagement as both symbolic and strategic.

Bukusu elders led by former Cabinet Minister Mukhisa Kituyi on Saturday hosted Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna at Mbakalo, Tongaren Constituency in Bungoma county a move aimed to boost his 2027 ambitions. [Jackline Inyanji, Standard]

Sifuna, who also serves as Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), said the forum marked his first structured engagement with elders from the Western region. He pledged to hold similar consultative meetings to better understand grassroots expectations and shape future political direction.

During the discussions, elders raised key economic concerns affecting the region, including the leasing of major industries such as Nzoia Sugar Company and Pan Paper Mills, as well as delays in settling pending bills.

“My role was to listen to the elders and opinion leaders from Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia and understand how they envision the Luhya community’s path to national leadership in 2027,” Sifuna said. “They want critical issues like the leasing of Pan Paper and Nzoia Sugar addressed, and all pending bills cleared.”

The senator also aimed at some regional leaders, calling for a shift in leadership and urging voters to reject individuals he accused of failing to champion the interests of ordinary Kenyans.

“Kenyans are tired of corruption, and the economy is struggling. What they need is change and leadership that can fight for them,” he said.
The meeting comes amid heightened political activity surrounding Sifuna, whose profile has continued to grow following internal wrangles within ODM over his position as Secretary-General.

A section of Western Kenya leaders has already begun rallying behind him. Bumula MP Jack Wamboka and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga have publicly endorsed the “Sisi Ndio Sifuna” movement, urging the region to unite behind his potential presidential bid.

The lawmakers argue that the time is ripe for Western Kenya to produce a presidential candidate, describing Sifuna as a strong contender capable of providing national leadership.

“We are consulting the electorate, who are our ultimate bosses. Sifuna is a listening leader with a clean record, and we are exploring how best to position him for top leadership,” Kalasinga said.

The elders’ endorsement is expected to further boost Sifuna’s standing in the region as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the next election cycle.