Mudavadi, Wetang’ula in Fear as Sifuna Gets Chance to Speak at Nabwera’s Requiem in Lang’ata

A moment at the requiem service of veteran politician Mzee Burudi Nabwera has attracted attention after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was invited to deliver his condolences in the presence of senior government leaders.

Sifuna attended the service at Friends Church in Lang’ata, Nairobi, on Wednesday, October 21, alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

The gathering brought together political leaders and mourners to honour Nabwera, who died on October 8 after battling health problems.

Nabwera served as Kenya’s first ambassador to the United States, the country’s first permanent representative to the United Nations and a Cabinet minister. He also represented Lugari Constituency in Parliament.

Sifuna’s opportunity to address mourners comes days after he was denied a chance to speak at the burial of Senior Assistant Inspector General Lazarus Opicho in Trans Nzoia County. That incident sparked debate about politicians’ freedom to speak at public gatherings.

His appearance at the Lang’ata requiem service also comes amid renewed political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election.

On Tuesday, October 20, Sifuna met former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri. The meeting brought fresh attention to discussions about cooperation among opposition leaders seeking to challenge President William Ruto in the next election.

The latest developments have placed Sifuna’s political engagements under close public scrutiny as different leaders take positions on possible alliances.

Mudavadi and Wetang’ula remain influential figures in the government, while Sifuna has continued to participate in opposition politics.

However, there is no confirmed evidence that either Mudavadi or Wetang’ula ran away in fear during the requiem service. Their presence alongside Sifuna does not establish that a confrontation occurred.

The service was organised to honour Nabwera’s life and contribution to Kenya.

As political temperatures rise, will Sifuna’s growing engagements with different leaders influence the shape of Kenya’s opposition ahead of 2027?

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