A political mobiliser was forcibly ejected from a funeral in Kakamega County on Saturday, September 26, after using his speaking slot to campaign for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's 2027 presidential ambitions. Bernard Shirako, who identifies as the president of Bunge La Mwananchi in Kakamega and chairman of the Linda Mwananchi youth league, was among those in attendance at a funeral in Lukume, Kabrasa West, within Malava Constituency.
Shirako's speech sparked tension when he shifted from respectful tones to political territory, rallying women in the crowd to support Sifuna. He declared 'Mi Ni Sifuna' and drew loud approval from female mourners, who responded with chants of 'Mimi Ni Sifuna.' However, the mood quickly changed as a section of men in the crowd began drowning out his remarks with competing chants backing President William Ruto.
Undeterred initially, Shirako pressed on, requesting the crowd to stand with Sifuna in his presidential bid. He mentioned that even in Wanga land, they have approved it. Before he could finish, individuals believed to be part of Malava MP David Ndakwa's entourage moved in, grabbed the microphone from him, physically shoved him from the podium, and marched him back to stand among the rest of the mourners.
Malava is firmly regarded as United Democratic Alliance (UDA) territory, making it politically hostile to opposition-aligned messaging. Ndakwa himself consolidated that standing when he won the constituency's by-election held in November, routing the opposition candidate. He assumed the seat following the death of the late MP Malulu Injendi, who passed away in March 2025.
Shirako's Linda Mwananchi movement is actively pushing for Sifuna's entry into the 2027 presidential race, and his appearance at the Lukume funeral appeared to be part of those grassroots mobilisation efforts. However, the reception in Malava underscored the challenges opposition figures face in entrenched UDA zones as political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election continues to intensify across the country.
The incident highlights the deep-seated political divisions in the region, with UDA strongholds proving to be a challenging ground for opposition figures. Edwin Sifuna's 2027 presidential bid is gaining traction, but opposition from UDA-leaning areas is expected. The event serves as a testament to the complexities of Kenyan politics, where even funerals can become platforms for political mobilisation.
The implications of this incident on Sifuna's presidential bid and the larger Kenyan political landscape remain to be seen. As the 2027 General Election approaches, political tensions are expected to escalate, with opposition figures facing increased resistance in traditionally hostile territories. Key stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this incident affects the dynamics of the race.
Key points
- Edwin Sifuna's 2027 presidential bid faces opposition in UDA strongholds.
- The incident highlights the challenges opposition figures face in entrenched UDA zones.
- The event serves as a testament to the complexities of Kenyan politics.
