Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is planning to win the support of all counties in Western Kenya ahead of the Opposition's picking of a joint presidential candidate to face President William Ruto in next year's General Election.
As his popularity continues to soar and the possibility of him seeking the presidency dawns, Sifuna is now planning to get the backing of influential political bigwigs from Western Kenya who will not only endear the masses to him but also bankroll his quest.
One critical question that has popped up in Sifuna's presidential dream is whether he has the financial muscle necessary to bankroll such a massive political campaign.
Critics have continued to question whether the former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General will be able to raise the billions of shillings required to mount a competitive presidential bid and also to rally his backyard successfully.
Leaders from Western Kenya, who are increasingly aligning themselves with Sifuna and throwing their weight behind one of their own, have now begun proposing ways of mobilising resources to help the Linda Mwananchi team leader ascend to power.
Former Kakamega Senator and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, who recently declared his support for the Nairobi senator, acknowledged that it is true Sifuna cannot mount a successful presidential campaign without the necessary financial resources.
He urged the community to support their son financially to help him have a level playing field against his opponents.
In line with this, Malala proposed a Sh3 billion fundraising drive among Western Kenya residents to kick-start Sifuna’s presidential campaign.
He further suggested that the fundraising drive be launched at Bukhungu Stadium, where residents would first contribute cows, goats, and other food items to cater for guests attending the event. He further suggested erecting a tent with a capacity of 3,000 people, with every attendee required to contribute Sh1 million for a seat.
According to him, this would raise Sh3 billion, enough to kick-start Sifuna’s presidential campaign.
“Tuweka tent ya watu 3000 pale Bukhungu; si Waluhya wanasema wao, sijui, wako million ngapi? Sisi tunataka tu Waluhya 3,000; kila mtu achange Sh1,000,000. Yote itakuwa Sh3 billion. Let’s have a Sh1 million dinner plate fundraiser at Bukhungu Stadium; that will be enough to kickstart Sifuna’s campaign.”
He added that once the initiative succeeds in Western Kenya, it should be replicated by other communities that support the “Sisi ni Sifuna” movement to strengthen the senator’s presidential bid.
Malala also proposed that young people who believe in the movement be provided with a Paybill number through which they can contribute at least Sh100 each to support the campaign.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. (Photo: X/Edwin Sifuna)
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has also thrown his weight behind Sifuna’s campaign and urged the community to help bankroll his presidential ambitions.
He called for the unveiling of a campaign paybill through which members of the public could contribute at least Sh100 towards the fundraiser to help kick-start Sifuna’s campaign.
Natembeya also suggested that any money being distributed in the region by state operatives to undermine Sifuna’s political ambitions should be accepted, with only half being spent while the remaining amount is deposited into Sifuna’s campaign account.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale recently shared a newspaper cutting from a local Western Kenya media station indicating that businessman Ibrahim Ambwere had been angered by remarks from some government-allied politicians, including COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, who had dismissed Sifuna’s presidential ambitions by claiming he lacked the financial resources to run for the country’s top seat.
The report hinted at the possibility of Ambwere offering financial support to Sifuna’s campaign.
On the other hand, Bungoma businessman and gubernatorial aspirant Jimmy Nduruchi, during an aspirants’ strategy meeting, pledged to sell a piece of his land and channel the entire proceeds towards Sifuna’s presidential campaign.
During a recent funeral in the region attended by the Nairobi senator, mourners repeatedly chanted, “Paybill! Paybill!”, prompting Sifuna to later unveil a fundraising paybill. Within less than two days of its launch, the initiative had raised more than Sh2 million.
This also comes at a time when Sifuna is facing claims that his political activities are being financed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, allegations that the Nairobi senator has publicly dismissed.
According to Political Analyst Samuel Owida, Sifuna’s growing political activity in Western Kenya reflects an attempt to build a stronger regional and national coalition ahead of the 2027 general election, with emerging alliances, public rallies, and high-profile endorsements becoming indicators of shifting political calculations.
"For Sifuna, converting public attention into electoral power will depend on grassroots organisation, policy credibility, resources, and the ability to appeal beyond traditional regional support bases," said Owida.
The developments around Sifuna come at a time when Kenya’s political landscape is undergoing early coalition formation, with leaders positioning themselves around competing visions for national leadership, economic priorities, and regional influence.
Political observers note that Western Kenya plays a strategic role in national politics and that any serious politician cannot ignore the region.
"Western Kenya remains one of the most politically significant regions in the country because of its population size, voting patterns, and historical role in national coalitions," adds Owida.
The region includes counties such as Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia.
Historically, Western Kenya has often influenced presidential contests through alliances with major national political formations rather than operating as an isolated voting bloc.
Sifuna, who serves as Nairobi Senator and has been a prominent opposition communicator, has built visibility through strong public messaging, media engagement, opposition advocacy and
youth-focused political communication.
His political challenge is moving from being an influential voice within opposition politics to establishing a broader electoral structure capable of competing nationally.
In Kenyan elections, communication strength is valuable, but it must be supported by ward-level networks, county coordinators, election agents, fundraising structures and consistent voter engagement.
Sifuna's quest has been boosted by Friday's Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) survey that placed him as the most favourite presidential candidate for the Opposition.
The poll found that 44 per cent of ODM supporters would back Sifuna if the party were to choose its presidential candidate today, placing him well ahead of other contenders.
President Ruto was the second choice among ODM supporters with 20 per cent, followed by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i with nine per cent. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino each received four per cent, while former Chief Justice David Maraga polled two per cent.
The findings strengthen Sifuna's position within ODM at a time when the party remains divided over its cooperation with President Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration.
The survey also found that 74 per cent of ODM supporters identify with Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi faction, compared to 20 per cent who back the rival Linda Ground camp, which supports continued collaboration with the broad-based government.
Nationally, Sifuna also ranked among the country's leading opposition figures. The survey placed President Ruto in the lead with 24 per cent support, followed by Sifuna at 15 per cent, Matiang'i at 14 per cent, Kalonzo at 13 per cent, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at seven per cent.
However, TIFA noted that opposition support remains split among several candidates, a factor that currently works in President Ruto's favour ahead of the 2027 election.
The survey comes just weeks after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) ratified Sifuna's removal as ODM Secretary-General, a development that has fuelled speculation about the party's future direction.
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