Kenyans React as Ruto’s Ally Urges Sifuna to Drop 2027 Bid and Wait for This Top Position

National Assembly Majority Leader Silvanus Osoro has taken a swipe at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over his calls for constitutionalism, telling him to wait until Chief Justice Martha Koome retires if he wants to become the country’s top judicial officer.

Osoro’s remarks have added a fresh twist to the political exchanges involving Sifuna, who has remained vocal on matters of governance, constitutionalism and the direction of the country’s politics.

The statement was framed as a sarcastic response to Sifuna’s position on constitutional issues. However, becoming Chief Justice is not a political appointment that a senator can secure simply by waiting for the current office holder to retire.

Under Kenya’s Constitution, the Chief Justice is appointed by the President following a recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission and approval by the National Assembly.

Martha Koome assumed office on May 21, 2021, becoming Kenya’s first female Chief Justice. She also serves as the President of the Supreme Court and heads the Judiciary.

The exchange comes at a time when questions surrounding constitutionalism, the independence of state institutions and political accountability continue to feature in national debate.

On October 2, 2026, the High Court quashed notices seeking the removal of Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and four other judges, ruling that the process was legally and constitutionally defective. The decision placed renewed attention on the procedures governing the removal of senior judicial officers.

Sifuna, meanwhile, has remained an active voice in Kenya’s political discussions as leaders and political movements position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Osoro’s remarks are likely to attract reactions from Kenyans, particularly those following the exchanges between political leaders over governance and the Constitution.

However, his statement does not mean that Sifuna has formally expressed interest in becoming Chief Justice. It was a political remark, and any future appointment would have to follow the constitutional process.

The debate now leaves Kenyans watching how the two leaders respond as discussions on constitutionalism continue.

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