Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has revealed that leaders backing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna deliberately floated several political parties as "decoys" to conceal the vehicle they were preparing for his 2027 presidential bid. Speaking during the launch of The Equitable Party (TEP) in Nairobi, Khalwale said the group adopted the strategy after sensing that the government was keen on frustrating Sifuna's efforts to secure a political party. This move was aimed at protecting Sifuna's interests and ensuring a smooth transition.
Khalwale cited several parties that he said were used as decoys, starting with Siaya Governor James Orengo's National Liberal Party. He added that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino's Mwananchi party and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya's United Democratic Party (UDP) were also presented as possible options. These parties were allegedly used to divert attention from the actual vehicle, TEP, which was being prepared for Sifuna's presidential bid.
Khalwale also revealed that he offered his United Patriotic Movement (UPM) as another possible vehicle when the group believed TEP could be discovered. This move was part of the strategy to keep TEP away from public attention until the right time. Khalwale's revelations have sparked a reaction from other politicians, with Babu Owino responding jokingly, insisting that his party was genuine.
During the launch of TEP, Khalwale urged Sifuna to work with senior opposition leaders as he seeks to build support for his presidential bid. He told Sifuna that reaching the point of seeking the presidency was difficult and that he would need the support of experienced political leaders. This call for unity and support is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Sifuna's position.
Khalwale specifically mentioned leaders that Sifuna could work with, including James Orengo, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa. He emphasized that Sifuna could not achieve his ambitions alone and would need to persuade these leaders to support him. This call for collaboration is expected to shape the dynamics of Sifuna's presidential bid.
Sifuna was formally unveiled as the preferred presidential candidate of TEP, which is now his political vehicle for the 2027 General Election. TEP party leader Gilbert Marava said the party had restructured its leadership to accommodate Sifuna and his supporters. This development marks a significant milestone in Sifuna's presidential bid.
The launch of TEP and Khalwale's revelations have sparked a heated debate in the Kenyan political scene. As the 2027 General Election approaches, it remains to be seen how Sifuna's presidential bid will unfold. With the support of experienced leaders and a well-planned strategy, Sifuna's bid is expected to be a significant contender.
Key points
- Leaders backing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna used 'decoy' parties to conceal his 2027 presidential bid vehicle.
- Khalwale urges Sifuna to work with senior opposition leaders to build support for his presidential bid.
- Sifuna unveiled as TEP's preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.
