Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has revealed that his life has undergone significant changes over the past 12 months as he prepares to make a bid for the presidency in the 2027 General Election. Speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, Sifuna said his political journey had experienced both highs and lows over the past year but maintained that his march to State House remained on course.
Sifuna made the remarks at the start of his contribution during consideration of the nomination of Fatuma Ibrahim Ali as the female non-Member of Parliament commissioner to the Parliamentary Service Commission. He noted that if Fatuma had visited Nairobi a year ago, he would have taken personal responsibility for showing her around the city. However, he said his movement was now extremely restricted and he was under 24-hour surveillance.
According to Sifuna, many people in many of the spots that he used to visit have not seen him in over 12 months. He attributed the change in his life to his growing political profile, particularly following his fallout with sections of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over his opposition to the broad-based government arrangement. Sifuna served as secretary general of ODM before his fallout with the party.
Sifuna expressed confidence that his situation would change after the next General Election, promising to welcome Fatuma back to Nairobi within 11 months. He assured her that just as it was possible for people to move from government to opposition, it was also possible that a former SG of an opposition party would move to government in the next 11 months. This is a clear indication of his presidential ambitions.
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal recently set aside the Registrar of Political Parties' decision declining to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Movement and directed the Registrar to reserve the name within seven days. The Tribunal found that the Registrar's decision lacked legal justification. This development removes a legal hurdle for Sifuna's political vehicle as he and his allies prepare for the next phase of their political plans ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sifuna's political ambitions have gained renewed attention as he positions himself for the 2027 presidential contest. His profile has grown over the past year following his fallout with ODM's leadership and his removal from House leadership positions after declining to support the broad-based government arrangement. He has assured Kenyans that the incoming government formed by the current opposition would honour its commitments.
Sifuna emphasized that his team would keep every promise to the people of Kenya, including the assurance he had just given regarding his plans for Nairobi. With his eyes on the presidency, Sifuna is determined to make an impact in the 2027 General Election. The changes in his life over the past year demonstrate his commitment to his political goals.
Key points
- Sifuna's life has changed dramatically over the past year due to his growing political profile and restricted movement.
- The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has set aside the Registrar of Political Parties' decision declining to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Movement.
- Sifuna is positioning himself for the 2027 presidential contest, with his political ambitions gaining renewed attention.
