Sifuna gets final say on 2027 political vehicle as Linda Mwananchi closes ranks

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been given the final say on the political party he will use to pursue his 2027 presidential bid, according to Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.

The decision comes days after the Linda Mwananchi movement formally endorsed Sifuna as its presidential candidate and leader.

Khalwale said the group's principals considered several political parties before agreeing that Sifuna should make the final call.

The decision leaves the question of Sifuna's political vehicle open for now, despite earlier claims by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya that the senator would use the United Democratic Party (UDP).

“After all those parties were discussed, we did not settle on a party. We then looked at the pros and cons of each of those parties, and the final resolution was that we gave our leader the final say,” Khalwale said on Monday.

He said Sifuna could choose any of the parties already discussed or propose another option.

UDP claim puts spotlight on final decision

Natembeya had previously appeared to settle the question.

On September 24, he said Sifuna would seek the presidency through UDP and would be unveiled as the party's presidential aspirant in the first week of October.

That position has now been complicated by Khalwale's latest remarks.

Khalwale did not name the parties considered by the principals. He said the group had assessed their respective strengths and weaknesses before handing Sifuna the final decision.

This means the UDP option remains part of the conversation, but Sifuna has not publicly made a final announcement confirming the party.

The distinction is important as the movement moves towards the formalisation of its political structure.

Linda Mwananchi settles on Sifuna

The party question follows a separate leadership decision that has now been settled.

At a retreat on Saturday, September 26, Linda Mwananchi principals agreed that Sifuna would lead the movement and serve as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The resolution brought together key figures including Sifuna, Khalwale, Natembeya, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and former Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza.

The movement said Sifuna would lead the unveiling of the party on whose ticket he intends to contest the presidency in early October.

That announcement is now the next major test for the group.

Khalwale says Sifuna must lead

Khalwale said the decision to give Sifuna control over the party question was tied to his role as the movement's presidential candidate.

He argued that a candidate seeking the presidency should also take responsibility for leading the political organisation supporting his bid.

“We said that Sifuna should settle on any one of them, or convince us that there is another one that you have just stumbled upon, we will agree with your judgment,” Khalwale said.

He added that the other principals would support whichever option Sifuna eventually chooses.

“So, we are saying that, ‘we have trusted you that much, and we will agree with you when you make the final pronouncement’,” he said.

From party dispute to coalition talks

The party question has been one of the most difficult issues for Linda Mwananchi in recent weeks.

The movement had explored the possibility of using a rebranded party, but its proposed move to adopt the Ukombozi People's Party name ran into difficulties with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.

The dispute followed another political formation's use of the Ukombozi name.

Against that background, the possibility of using UDP has gained attention.

Natembeya has publicly identified UDP as Sifuna's intended vehicle, while Khalwale's latest remarks suggest the final decision has not yet been formally announced by Sifuna himself.

The movement is also looking beyond a single party.

Its September 26 resolution said Linda Mwananchi would seek to build a coalition with parties that share its political objectives.

That could become the next stage of Sifuna's political strategy once the party question is settled.

Babu Owino has separate Nairobi plans

The emerging structure also leaves room for individual leaders to pursue different elective positions.

Babu Owino has already identified The Mwananchi Party as the vehicle for his expected bid for Nairobi governor in 2027.

That means the movement's broader coalition plans will have to accommodate leaders who may contest different positions under different party tickets while remaining politically aligned.

For now, however, the immediate focus is on Sifuna.

His endorsement has settled the question of who will lead Linda Mwananchi into the 2027 race.

The remaining question is which party will carry his presidential bid.

Khalwale says that decision belongs to Sifuna.

The senator is expected to provide the answer when the movement unveils its political vehicle in early October.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.