Edwin Sifuna's move to acquire own political vehicle is a move in the right direction but the real work starts now.
The Nairobi senator has spent months building a national profile through Linda Mwananchi, transforming what began largely as a political revolt within ODM into a movement with ambitions beyond the party.
He has also increasingly positioned himself as a potential presidential contender, saying he wants to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
The reported move to take over and build the United Democratic Party (UDP) is therefore significant.
But acquiring a party is only the beginning.
Sifuna must be wary of political lieutenants who may be enthusiastic about his popularity but less enthusiastic about his presidential project.
Politics is full of alliances built around convenience, and some politicians can easily ride on a popular national wave to strengthen their own bids for parliamentary, governor or other elective seats.
Already, I am seeing a number of politicians who have positioned themselves to use the wave to retain their seats and do not care about Sifuna's presidential ambitions.
Such people existed even during former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The senator must be careful with such characters.
Of course not all his lieutenants want to ride on his wave, some are also adding value and it is such groups that he now needs going forward.
That does not automatically make their support insincere. He now requires people prepared to build structures even when there is no immediate personal reward.
Sifuna's immediate task should therefore be to build UDP into a genuine national political organisation rather than merely treating it as a ballot vehicle.
He needs functioning grassroots structures, credible officials, county coordinators, aspirant networks, a clear policy agenda, fundraising mechanisms and, most importantly, loyal political organisers who believe in the presidential project beyond the excitement surrounding his rallies.
The popularity is useful. The crowds matter. The national visibility is valuable. But elections are ultimately fought through organisation.
Sifuna must now build the engine, recruit committed drivers and ensure those riding with him are actually headed toward the same destination.
The political commentator spoke to the Star
