Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna/ FILENairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has explained the origin of the "H.E" title that has recently followed him at opposition events, saying it was coined by supporters during a political meeting in Taita Taveta and not by himself.
Speaking on The Explainer on Citizen TV on Tuesday night, the Nairobi Senator said the title emerged after young supporters encouraged him not to dwell on political positions he had lost, insisting there were bigger opportunities ahead.
Responding to a question about the title, Sifuna recalled that the idea first came up during one of the opposition's public engagements.
"We went into this meeting in Taita Taveta, and these young people, on the back of all this information about everything that has been taken away, tell me, 'You need not worry.' All these positions, some of them were given by Raila, but most of them are given by the public. We are saying there is something better we feel would suit you. I'm sure it would roll off your tongue if you just say H.E, si mbaya," Sifuna said.
The senator said he viewed the remarks as a reflection of growing optimism among supporters of the opposition movement rather than a title he had assumed for himself.
He linked the mood among supporters to what he described as increasing public backing for the opposition's activities across the country.
"I want to thank everybody who has shown up because everywhere that we've gone, the people have been amazing," he said.
Sifuna said the reception the opposition has received during recent political tours had strengthened his belief that it was gaining momentum ahead of the next General Election.
"I can tell you now that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel because there is a general yearning in the country for things to be done differently. They're telling us they want to see a different country, and they believe that the leadership team can actually deliver that change they are hoping to see," he said.
He added that public support remained the most important measure for any political leader.
"Raila always used to say that in times of difficulty for any political leader, just go back to the people, and if the people keep showing up for you, then you have nothing to worry about," Sifuna said.
The Nairobi senator also argued that recent opposition activities had helped settle questions about where ODM supporters stood following the party's cooperation agreement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
"We now believe that controversy has been settled. A vast majority of members of ODM are with us, and that is very comforting because I have worked with those people for years as their Secretary-General," he said.
Sifuna said he would continue explaining the opposition's political decisions to supporters, maintaining that leaders have a duty to account for their actions.
"I will continue to be myself. I will continue to speak truth to power. We have a responsibility to explain every decision that we have taken, our successes, our failures and our next steps," he said.
Sifuna has been among opposition leaders traversing different parts of the country under the Linda Mwananchi movement, holding public meetings and criticising the Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Alongside leaders including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and Governor James Orengo, the opposition has intensified regional tours as it seeks to consolidate support and present a united front before the next polls.
