Lusaka Urges Sifuna to Shelve 2027 Presidential Bid, Says Time Is Not Yet Right
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has urged Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to put his presidential ambitions on hold, warning that a premature bid for the country’s top seat could jeopardize his political future.
Speaking during a public event in Sirisia, Bungoma County, Lusaka cautioned Sifuna against contesting the 2027 General Election, arguing that while the senator has leadership potential, he still needs more time to build his political experience and national support base.
Lusaka said Kenyan politicians should be wary of public excitement surrounding presidential bids, noting that encouragement from supporters does not always translate into votes at the ballot.
“Be careful of Kenyans. They can hype you to go for the presidency, but when it comes to voting, they step aside and leave you out to suffer,” Lusaka said.
The governor clarified that he was not opposed to Sifuna seeking the presidency in the future, but insisted that 2027 may not be the appropriate time for such a move. He advised the Nairobi senator to continue strengthening his political profile and consolidating support before making a bid for State House.
Lusaka’s remarks sparked mixed reactions from leaders in Western Kenya. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi criticized the governor’s stance, arguing that leadership should be determined by the will of the people rather than age or years of political experience. Osotsi cited former U.S. President Barack Obama as an example of a leader who rose to the presidency after serving only a short period in the Senate. Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga also defended Sifuna, saying the senator has every right to pursue the country’s highest office if he enjoys public support.
The debate comes amid growing speculation over Sifuna’s political future. Although he has recently hinted at broader national ambitions, the Nairobi senator has maintained that he will not rush into declaring a 2027 presidential bid. Instead, Sifuna says he is first seeking to assess the nationwide support for his Linda Mwananchi movement before making a final decision.
With political realignments already taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election, Lusaka’s comments have added to the ongoing national conversation over who is best placed to challenge for Kenya’s presidency.
