Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has pledged not to mislead Kenyans with unrealistic promises in his quest for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Kiirua, Meru county, during the Linda Mwananchi tour, Sifuna said his upbringing had taught him to value honesty and that he would always tell Kenyans what could realistically be achieved.
“As Sifuna, I will not lie to Kenyans to get elected President,” he said.
“I was brought up well, so I will not lie to Kenyans to get elected. I will always tell Kenyans the truth.”
Sifuna said political leaders should be honest with voters about the country's challenges and the time required to address them, rather than making promises they cannot fulfil.
“You can be loved by saying the truth. I will tell Kenyans what is achievable within what time and what is not,” he said.
His remarks come as President William Ruto continues to challenge the Opposition to present a clear national agenda and alternative development blueprint ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ruto has repeatedly accused Opposition leaders of being “clueless, planless and rudderless”, arguing that they spend more time criticising his administration than presenting alternative solutions to the country's problems.
Responding to the criticism, Sifuna said the Opposition would develop its own manifesto and ensure it is anchored in the Constitution.
“Ruto has been saying we do not have plans,” Sifuna said.
“We will make a manifesto that respects the Constitution. We want to live in a democratic society.”
The senator also criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that Ruto had failed to deliver on key promises contained in the 2022 election manifesto.
Sifuna cited what he described as a shrinking democratic space as one of the administration's failures, alongside what he termed inadequate progress in improving the livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans.
He said the government's development blueprint had instead left many Kenyans struggling.
“The Kenya Kwanza manifesto is one that has put Kenyans in a hole,” he said.
Sifuna pointed to boda boda riders and small-scale traders as examples of groups he said had not benefited as promised by the administration.
“You promised to uplift boda boda riders, but that has not happened. Small traders have not grown as you promised,” he said.
He also criticised the government's proposed Vision 2060, questioning the administration's ability to deliver long-term development targets when, in his view, promises made during the 2022 campaign remained unfulfilled.
“We gave this administration five years, but there have been little achievements,” Sifuna said.
The Meru rally brought together several Opposition leaders as the Linda Mwananchi movement continues its mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election.
Among those accompanying Sifuna were Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Also present were former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Ombane, Cherangany MP Patrick Simiyu and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.
Babu declared his full support for Sifuna, saying the two had worked together through difficult moments in the Orange Democratic Movement.
“I support Sifuna fully. No one in Linda Mwananchi knows Sifuna more than me,” Owino said.
“We have gone through a lot in ODM together. I am 100 per cent with you, Sifuna.”
Owino also warned politicians against joining the movement while maintaining links with the Kenya Kwanza camp.
“Those sent to bring confusion in Linda Mwananchi should stop,” he said.
“You have come and found Linda Mwananchi moving on. If you support us, do it fully. We don’t want you with one leg in Linda Mwananchi and the other in William Ruto’s camp.”
Owino said the Opposition should unite around a common political programme and rallied leaders to back Sifuna's presidential ambitions.
“We want to take Sifuna to State House,” he said.
He further called for a broader Opposition alliance bringing together leaders from different regions, including former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“In the Opposition, I want us to unite very well. We must walk with former Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza and Rigathi Gachagua in Mt Kenya and all other leaders from other regions,” Owino said.
“We must unite as Opposition.”
