Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna intervened after a crowd interrupted Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka's speech with chants of Sifuna's name during the inauguration of the Linda Mwananchi headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi.
The interruption came after Kalonzo appeared to caution against declaring Sifuna a presidential candidate before the completion of the required party processes.
Kalonzo was responding to remarks by DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, who appeared to suggest that Sifuna could be the presidential candidate.
“Because this is your day, my brother Eugene has jumped the gun. He has declared you the presidential candidate,” Kalonzo said.
He then reminded Sifuna that the formal process was yet to be completed.
“Let me tell you legally, because you are a lawyer, you have to wait for the 13th of November, and I hope you'll invite us again. This is when we will know,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo added that the November meeting would provide an opportunity for further discussions on the matter.
“Hapo ndio tutaongea with a fellow presidential candidate. Huyu ako hapa ni party leader,” he said.
As Kalonzo made the remarks, the crowd began chanting Sifuna's name, interrupting his speech.
Kalonzo paused and asked the crowd whether they wanted Sifuna to become president.
The crowd responded affirmatively, prompting further chants.
Sifuna then walked onto the stage and urged the crowd to allow Kalonzo to complete his remarks.
He also appealed to supporters to respect the leaders who had attended the event.
“Nimewaambia ata nyinyi mtajipata kwa ofisi ya Wiper, sindio,” Sifuna told the crowd.
“This is not a way to treat our guests. Just let us listen to them. We have been honoured by their presence. Let him finish, tafadhali."
Kalonzo resumed his speech shortly after Sifuna's intervention, saying he had already received a mandate from his party to pursue the presidency.
“You know I was introduced as Senior Counsel. I want you to know that on October 10 last year, at a delegates conference, I was given the mandate to run for presidency, so be patient,” Kalonzo said.
He urged Sifuna to follow what he described as the proper procedure before any presidential candidature was settled.
Kalonzo, however, acknowledged that Sifuna could eventually emerge as a presidential candidate.
“He could very well end up being the sixth president,” he said.
The remark was met with renewed chants from the crowd.
Kalonzo said he would welcome such an outcome if it followed the necessary consultations and political processes.
He nevertheless called for patience and consultation as opposition parties and political movements continue to engage ahead of the 2027 General Election.
