Just Hours After Unveiling New Party, Sifuna Lands in Deep Trouble as ODM Issues This Statement

The opposition’s search for a single presidential candidate has taken a new turn after ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga warned that it may be difficult for the various opposition leaders to agree on Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Wanga said the opposition should settle on its presidential candidate early enough to give the person enough time to travel across the country, build networks and introduce themselves to voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Her remarks came just days after Sifuna was endorsed by the Linda Mwananchi movement as its presidential candidate. The senator has since taken a more active role in the opposition race, including challenging leaders in the Mt Kenya region to help determine who should carry the opposition ticket.

However, Sifuna’s endorsement by Linda Mwananchi does not automatically make him the candidate of the wider opposition coalition.

Other senior opposition politicians are also positioning themselves for the 2027 race. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua remain among the figures associated with the opposition’s presidential contest.

A recent Politrack survey placed Sifuna as the leading opposition aspirant, with 19.6 per cent support. Kalonzo followed with 10.3 per cent, while Matiang’i and Gachagua recorded 7.2 per cent and 6.0 per cent respectively.

The latest developments show why choosing one candidate could become a major test for the opposition.

Wanga warned that waiting until the last months before the election could leave the eventual flag bearer with little time to campaign effectively.

Her remarks also come shortly after several senior opposition leaders failed to attend Sifuna’s TEP launch in Nairobi, raising fresh questions about how united the wider opposition is behind his political ambitions.

With the 2027 election approaching, opposition leaders now face the task of balancing individual ambitions with their promise to unite behind one candidate.

Scavenger [email protected]