Nairobi Senator Edwin SifunaLeaders from Western Kenya have backed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s political ambitions as the 2027 General Election approaches, while raising concerns over timelines for political parties intending to participate in the elections.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Thursday gazetted election guidelines requiring political parties intending to participate in the General Election to submit the names and specimen signatures of their authorised persons by October 15, 2026.
“Each political party intending to participate in the general election shall submit the names and specimen signatures of its authorised persons on or before Thursday, October 15, 2026,” the guidelines state.
The notice also requires participating parties to submit nomination rules certified by the Registrar of Political Parties to the IEBC by October 30, 2026.
The timelines have drawn attention to the preparations of Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement, which is seeking to participate in the 2027 elections.
DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala said the remaining period was short for Sifuna’s movement to register a new political party and complete the statutory requirements needed to participate in the elections.
Malala urged Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale to consider surrendering his existing political party to Sifuna, saying this would provide a faster route to the ballot than establishing a new political vehicle.
“Within 50 days, you cannot register a political party. I want to urge Khalwale that if you are truly committed to Sifuna’s presidency, then surrender your party to him [Sifuna] so that he becomes the party leader.”
Khalwale has publicly associated himself with a newly registered political party.
Sifuna, however, told supporters not to worry, saying he was ahead of the game and would unveil his 2027 political vehicle at the appropriate time.
“A big part of what we have been able to achieve is because we are being underrated. Honestly, some people think Sifuna doesn’t have a party?” Sifuna said.
“Let our supporters relax, a rose by any other name still sells.”
The leaders spoke during the burial of Khalwale’s wife, Gloria Sekeiyan, at Malinya home in Kakamega County.
The burial was also attended by DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ and others.
The leaders backed Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, saying the region should consider one of its own for the country’s top political seat.
“My late wife cooked food for two Presidents, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto. Today, she is going to prepare food for the third President, Edwin Sifuna,” Khalwale said.
Former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi said Sifuna’s national profile and mobilisation efforts offered Western Kenya an opportunity to present a fresh face capable of competing for the presidency.
He, however, said this would only be possible if the region registers as voters in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise.
“Sifuna will be President in 2027, but that will not be possible if we don’t come out and register as voters,” Wamunyinyi said.
Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma said the Western region has 1.2 million potential voters who are not registered.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka said the region would not back anyone in the coming elections, saying it was time someone from the region was supported.
“Sifuna is going to the ballot. I see people saying he will be running mate – as Luhyas, we have supported other people and it is now our time,” he said.
Sifuna has been visiting different parts of the country to build support for Linda Mwananchi while engaging leaders and grassroots supporters.
Sifuna said his supporters would succeed in their bid for State House.
“This is our 2027 journey; we shall triumph. As ODM secretary general, I endured more life-threatening incidents than what befell us in Homa Bay,” he said.
Sifuna also spoke about the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the President’s comments on the payment of hospital bills.
“I want to challenge the President to carry the Bible if it is indeed true that Kenyans no longer hold harambees to settle medical bills,” he said.
The leaders also spoke about Sunday’s events during Linda Mwananchi’s rally in Homa Bay.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ apologised on behalf of his county, saying the events did not reflect the community’s values.
“What happened in Homa Bay is unlike what we believe in as a community. As ODM, we don’t subscribe to such,” Kajwang’ said.
