Luhya Leaders Endorse Sifuna for 2027 Presidential Race Against Ruto

Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna received the backing of a section of Luhya elders and political leaders during a funeral gathering in Kabuchai, Bungoma, where he was endorsed as the community’s preferred candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

The endorsement was made at the funeral of Patrick Wangamati and brought together leaders from the five Western Kenya counties of Busia, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Kakamega and Vihiga. Those present included MPs Majimbo Kalasinga, Caleb Amisi, Wilberforce Oundo and Jack Wamboka, Democratic Action Party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Senators Godfrey Osotsi and Boni Khalwale, and Governor George Natembeya.

The leaders called for unity within the Luhya community and urged voters to support a single political direction ahead of the 2027 election. They argued that a consolidated vote would strengthen the region’s influence in national politics.

Jack Wamboka described the group as a strong team capable of providing leadership for the community. Khalwale called for a generational shift, saying younger leaders should take a more prominent role in advancing the region’s political interests and development agenda.

Speaking at the event, Sifuna accepted the endorsement and said removing President Ruto from office would address many of the country’s challenges. He asked his supporters to give him space to build alliances across the country, indicating that his political strategy would extend beyond Western Kenya. 

He also criticised the government's decision to establish an Ebola isolation facility, raising concerns about safety. Governor Natembeya supported the call for unity and said the emerging leadership team would work to advance the interests of the Mulembe community. 

He rejected what he described as politics based on token appointments and warned that leaders supporting Ruto could be excluded from the community’s future political plans. Eugene Wamalwa reaffirmed the opposition’s commitment to working together ahead of the next election. 

He said his team would collaborate with the Linda Mwananchi faction within ODM to prevent Ruto from securing a second term. The event also exposed divisions within the community. Webuye West MP Daniel Wanyama was heckled by some attendees because of his support for Ruto’s re-election bid. 

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula took a more conciliatory approach, urging leaders to separate political competition from personal relationships. He also pointed to ongoing development projects in Bungoma.