Donald Kipkorir Warns Sifuna Over Kalonzo Booing, Says Kamba Support Could Decide His 2027 Bid

City lawyer Donald Kipkorir has warned Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna that his presidential ambitions could face challenges if his supporters disrespect other opposition leaders, particularly Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

In a memo addressed to Sifuna on Friday, October 30, Kipkorir criticised the heckling Kalonzo faced during the launch of the Linda Mwananchi Movement headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi.

He argued that Sifuna would need support from different parts of Kenya to stand a realistic chance of becoming president, urging him to build relationships with fellow opposition leaders rather than allow divisions to emerge.

Kipkorir praised Sifuna’s entry into the national leadership debate, describing the emergence of younger politicians as an encouraging development for African democracy.

However, he said the enthusiasm surrounding Sifuna’s political ambitions should not come at the expense of established leaders who could become important allies in the 2027 General Election.

He specifically highlighted the importance of support from the Kamba community, which Kalonzo has significant political influence among.

Kipkorir also invoked African cultural values, arguing that guests should be treated with respect even when disagreements arise.

He described Kalonzo as a statesman who deserved respect and engagement rather than public heckling.

The lawyer’s remarks followed disruptions during the Linda Mwananchi headquarters launch, where sections of the audience repeatedly chanted Sifuna’s name while Kalonzo was addressing the gathering.

The incident occurred after Kalonzo challenged Democratic Action Party-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa for declaring Sifuna the opposition’s presidential candidate before consultations among opposition leaders had been concluded.

Kalonzo maintained that the opposition needed to follow an agreed process before settling on a joint presidential candidate. He pointed to November 13 as the date for discussions on the matter.

The Wiper leader also made it clear that Sifuna’s presidential ambitions were not the issue, insisting that the selection process needed to be respected.

Despite the interruptions, Kalonzo said Sifuna could become Kenya’s sixth president but urged him and his supporters to demonstrate political maturity.

The heckling continued until Sifuna intervened, asking the audience to allow Kalonzo to finish his speech.

Sifuna reminded the crowd that the opposition leaders had honoured the movement with their presence and deserved to be heard.

When he resumed speaking, Kalonzo warned that the opposition risked undermining its own efforts if supporters allowed disagreements over the presidential ticket to create divisions.

He called on leaders and their supporters to embrace consultation, compromise and unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya also condemned the heckling, urging opposition supporters to accommodate leaders with different political positions.

Natembeya suggested that political opponents could exploit the incident to portray the opposition as divided. He urged leaders and the media not to exaggerate the disagreement.

In his memo, Kipkorir further encouraged Sifuna to embrace generational change in African politics, arguing that young leaders should have an opportunity to rise to power through democratic elections.

He concluded by stressing that Sifuna’s presidential ambitions would require more than enthusiastic supporters, pointing to coalition-building and respect for other opposition leaders as important factors in the race.

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