The Renaissance: Rise of Sifuna

It was a trip to test the waters of the vote-rich Western region and gauge the region’s political leaning as the wave of realignments continues to shake the country’s political spine. But as the Linda Mwananchi brigade concluded their electric tour of the vote-rich region with an elaborate rally in Bungoma, one thing was clear-a political star has been born, a Raila Odinga reincarnate or something close to that.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is here, and how he weaves through the rugged political landscape in the coming days to fortify the wave he has seamlessly built for a presidential bid could be influential in the race for the country’s presidency.

For a man who has survived turbulent months since the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga, Sifuna unveiled a new version of himself, and the wave appears to be sweeping him to the shores of a political duel with President William Ruto, backed by an ecstatic following and a formidable coalition slowly taking shape.

Just like the late Raila, who sought a separate path from Ford Kenya after the death of his father in 1994 at the height of the scramble for the party, Sifuna hinted at quitting ODM to pursue a separate path to achieve his goals. He narrated his tribulations in the party as crowds jeered against the party and cheered for Sifuna.

“I wish to ask for your permission. All those who loved ODM, allow us to look for a different option,” posed Sifuna amid cheers. The train has left the station, and Sifuna is on a run.

It was a show of might with organic crowds building in their thousands and leaders from the region singing Sifuna’s name in unison as the region came together, defying the old guards – who are Ruto’s cronies – and setting the ground for the 2027 political shift.

Could he be the man to condemn Ruto to a one-term presidency? Can he mobilise enough support to challenge the status quo? Has Western finally found the man to unite a region that has been fraught with endless divisions and pursuits of personal glory?

The answers to some of the questions flickered in nearly all the stops that the senator and the Linda Mwananchi team visited as Sifuna’s entry swept masses off their feet, chanting his name, slogans, and launching salvos against his perceived enemies in the form of Ruto and his allies.

Reading from the reception, it would be hard to wish Sifuna away or dismiss his claim for the presidency. He presented all the markings of a political star, a potential Raila-reincarnate. The crowds were huge, organic, and resembled the political prowess that the late Raila displayed for the better part of his career.

Oozing courage, defiance, empathy for suffering Kenyans, and disdain for President Ruto’s faltering policies, Sifuna believes he has the prescription for the Rutonomics disease ailing Kenya.

Unlike his competitors, there were no long lines of attendees queuing for handouts, no goons, no mobilised crowds donning matching party colours, no school buses to ferry attendees and no signs of police officers to intimidate critics.

The hook was splendid, and the reception heroic, as Bungoma finally gave their son the leadership torch to challenge Ruto, and a chorus of nods to turn his back on ODM finally.

If Sifuna is reading from a script that Raila handed to him, Raila is probably smiling in his grave. The rose he planted, nurtured, trusted with a role as a Secretary General for his behemoth ODM party, and trained to become a fearless political soldier, is blossoming and has set his eyes on the prize.

He is eloquent, charismatic, straight-talking, and is effortlessly attracting the masses. Just like his political godfather, the late Raila, Sifuna is not taking chances. He has prioritised a relentless pushback against President Ruto and his regime, is building alliances with like-minded politicians, courting the masses and drumming support for social justice.

In Bungoma, Sifuna pitched what many only associated with Raila. Messages of hope, empathy for the tribulations Kenyans are facing, while displaying himself as the people’s candidate who can barely afford an expensive campaign, a man who will rely on their donations that he claims are free from corruption. At every stop, residents volunteered to donate the little amount they could afford to support his presidential bid.

Addressing thousands of supporters packed at Bungoma's Posta Grounds, Sifuna declared that the next year would mark a political comeback for him.

"Before Baba died, I held many positions. But crooks and cartels invaded our political home and took away what belonged to me. After travelling across the country, I now know Kenyans are ready for the Sifuna moment, and within the next 12 months I will reclaim what I lost," he said.

Sifuna also ruled out any political cooperation with President William Ruto, saying their political values were fundamentally different.

"My values and those of President Ruto are like day and night. I cannot work with someone whose leadership I fundamentally disagree with," he said.

He criticised the government's handling of the economy, education and the Social Health Authority (SHA), arguing that many Kenyans continue to struggle despite government promises.

The senator urged supporters to accept financial handouts offered during political empowerment programmes but vote according to their conscience.

"Take the money because it belongs to the people. But when election day comes, vote where your heart is," he told the cheering crowd.

To his supporters, he represents new energy and a break from the status quo that has been dominated by political titans that some claim have done little to transform societies, apart from lobbying for jobs for themselves in government.

If all goes according to plan, Linda Mwanainchi hopes to present him as their star to successfully challenge an incumbent who has thrown state power, handouts, relentless promises, intimidation of opponents, and a spirited campaign in his bid for reelection.

In Western, however, the skyline is clear. A new star has been born, and he is Sifuna. Here, the slogan “Sisi ni Sifuna” was on the lips of crowds that attended his rallies in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia, which climaxed with a mega rally in Bungoma.

Just like he burst into the scene as a young lawyer to become the Secretary General of the ODM party and won the acceptance of the ODM legion, the script is replaying for Sifuna as he builds his profile as a challenger for the presidency.

Yesterday, mammoth crowds joined his presidential train with jubilations and financial donations.

From Kiminini in Trans Nzoia to Musharage, Kamukuywa, Chwele and Kanduyi in Bungoma County, residents voluntarily contributed cash ranging from Sh10 to Sh1,000, saying they wanted to demonstrate that ordinary Kenyans, not wealthy financiers can bankroll a presidential campaign.

The fundraising drive culminated at Bungoma's Posta Grounds, where a huge crowd gathered to welcome Sifuna during his homecoming after attending a church service at St. Immaculate Cathedral in Kitale.

The donations came amid growing debate over whether candidates without deep financial backing can mount a competitive presidential campaign.

Sifuna's critics have previously argued that his bid for the country's top seat would be impossible without billions of shillings in campaign financing.

However, Sunday's events appeared designed to challenge that perception, with supporters insisting that public goodwill can be just as powerful as financial muscle.

At one point in Kiminini, enthusiastic residents interrupted the political programme and demanded that fundraising begin immediately.

Faced with mounting public pressure, Sifuna paused Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who was moderating the political programme to announce that anyone willing to support the movement could contribute whatever amount they had.

Supporters quickly improvised collection points using cardboard boxes, carrier bags and baskets before queuing to make their donations.

An emotional Sifuna later displayed some of the contributions, saying the donations symbolised the confidence that ordinary Kenyans had placed in his leadership.

"I want to tell those who keep saying we do not have money that this is the money I have received from the people. This is the people's money," Sifuna told supporters.

He said the funds would facilitate the activities of the Linda Mwananchi Movement as it expands its national campaigns.

Leaders who accompanied Sifuna expressed optimism of successfully challenging President Ruto and urged residents to support Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi faction.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya said the overwhelming reception accorded to Sifuna demonstrated that political goodwill remained more important than wealth. He also appealed to Nyanza to back Sifuna for the presidency.

He urged leaders within the opposition to rally behind the Nairobi Senator.

"We want leaders of the United Opposition to endorse Edwin Sifuna for the presidency. Is he capable of leading this country?" Natembeya asked the crowd, drawing loud cheers.

Siaya Governor James Orengo, who accompanied the delegation, expressed confidence that the opposition would prevail in the next General Election. He told their supporters of how Ruto decampaigned the 2010 constitution, saying he has failed in its implementation.

"Victory is inevitable, and no one will steal our votes," Orengo said. “We must ensure that we take Ruto home”.

He assured their supporters that they will remain united to ensure that they deliver victory to their supporters.

Embakasi East Babu Owino faulted Ruto’s regime for failing to deliver to the people of Kenya and claimed that they are confident of ending their stay in power. He praised Orengo for supporting them and claimed the governor has been instrumental in their political journey.

“In 2027, we will bring all Kenyans together because the problems Kenyans are facing are the same regardless of tribe. The first problem Kenyans are facing is the cost of living,” said Babu, adding that they are confident of unseating Ruto in 2027.

Other leaders who rallied residents to back Sifuna were Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, among others.

Residents interviewed by The Standard said they had resolved to contribute whatever little they could to support Sifuna's campaign, arguing that leadership should not be determined solely by financial strength.

Bungoma resident Eliud Wekesa said many Kenyans had become disillusioned with the current administration because of the rising cost of living.