Sifuna Promised Major Political Reward If He Abandons 2027 Presidential Bid and Support Ruto

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to abandon his 2027 presidential ambitions and support President William Ruto’s re-election.

Murkomen argued that supporting Ruto for another term could help leaders from Western Kenya position themselves for the presidency in 2032. He made the proposal during a thanksgiving service and fundraising event at Bushiangala Church of God in Ikolomani, Kakamega County, on Sunday.

The CS suggested that Sifuna and other young leaders should avoid dividing political support in Western Kenya by challenging Ruto next year. Instead, he proposed that they work with the President and use the next five years to prepare for the country’s subsequent leadership transition.

Murkomen acknowledged Sifuna’s growing political profile but questioned whether the senator could successfully pursue the presidency in 2027. He argued that backing Ruto would allow the Luhya community to strengthen its bargaining position ahead of the 2032 succession contest.

The proposal comes as Sifuna continues building support through the Linda Mwananchi movement following his disagreement with ODM’s leadership. The Nairobi senator has emerged as a possible opposition presidential candidate, although opposition leaders have yet to settle on their preferred flagbearer.

Sifuna previously rejected suggestions that he could support Ruto’s second-term campaign, declaring in February that his position remained unchanged. During a Citizen TV interview, he maintained that political agreements would not compel him to vote for the President.

Murkomen’s proposal also comes as other opposition leaders openly discuss Sifuna’s possible presidential candidature. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said on October 30 that he would support Sifuna if opposition leaders selected him as their candidate.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has similarly expressed willingness to support the senator if the opposition agrees on his candidature. However, negotiations over the coalition’s presidential ticket remain ongoing, leaving Sifuna’s political direction uncertain

Murkomen’s latest appeal therefore introduces another option for the senator as competing political camps seek his support. Whether Sifuna will consider the proposed arrangement remains unclear, especially given his previously stated opposition to Ruto’s re-election.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1LsDAFTGYo/

RwakituraUPDATES feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com