Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has cautioned Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna against getting carried away by the excitement surrounding his presidential ambitions, warning that the toughest part of the 2027 journey has only just begun.
Khalwale delivered the remarks on Sunday, October 4, 2026, during the unveiling of The Equitable Party, which has emerged as the political vehicle associated with Sifuna’s presidential bid under the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Khalwale’s warning to Sifuna
Addressing Sifuna directly during the event, Khalwale acknowledged his political qualities but insisted that personal popularity and political energy would not be enough to win the presidency.
“Edwin Sifuna, do not get excited. The heartbeat has now started. And if you think it is easy, ask Orengo. If you think it is easy, ask Kalonzo Musyoka. Ask all of them,” Khalwale said.
The Kakamega senator went on to praise Sifuna as strong, intelligent, educated, brave and creative, but stressed that the Nairobi senator would need experienced political figures around him.
According to Khalwale, Sifuna should be prepared to work with leaders including Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa.
He argued that political alliances cannot simply be demanded, saying leaders must be persuaded to support a presidential candidate.
“For a man to give you his shoulders, you cannot force them. You persuade them. You beg them. You cajole them,” Khalwale said.
Khalwale’s message to young Kenyans
Khalwale also placed young Kenyans at the centre of Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, noting that the senator has developed considerable support among young people, particularly online.
He urged Sifuna’s youthful supporters to remain active as the political contest enters a more competitive phase, warning that propaganda and opinion polls could become major battlegrounds ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Khalwale further questioned the reliability of some political opinion polls, arguing that Kenyans should not automatically accept survey findings as a reflection of the eventual election outcome.
The Kakamega senator has also been vocal about the need for opposition leaders to work together rather than allow disagreements to derail their efforts ahead of 2027. Photo: UGC
Sifuna’s political vehicle unveiled
The warning came shortly after Sifuna and his allies unveiled The Equitable Party as their political vehicle.
The development followed months of uncertainty over which party would carry Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.
His allies had previously explored the possibility of using an existing party, including the United Democratic Party, but that route encountered resistance and regulatory complications.
The political movement surrounding Sifuna has increasingly attracted attention as opposition figures position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Khalwale has previously argued that Sifuna could become an acceptable presidential candidate for a broad opposition coalition because he does not have the baggage of being the leader of a long-established national party.
In a September interview, Khalwale suggested that a coalition arrangement could allow different parties to retain their identities while rallying behind a common presidential candidate.
Khalwale hints at broader opposition strategy
The Kakamega senator has also been vocal about the need for opposition leaders to work together rather than allow disagreements to derail their efforts ahead of 2027.
His latest remarks suggest that while he supports Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, he does not believe the Nairobi senator can win the race through his popularity alone.
Khalwale’s intervention therefore comes at an important stage of Sifuna’s political journey, with the senator now expected to transform the growing enthusiasm around Linda Mwananchi into a nationwide political organisation capable of competing in the 2027 elections.
The Kakamega senator has himself indicated his willingness to support Sifuna’s political project while pursuing the Kakamega governorship under the new political arrangement.
Khalwale also shared a message highlighting the significance of the moment and his support for the emerging political project.
His remarks have since added another layer to the growing debate over Sifuna’s 2027 ambitions, particularly on whether the youthful senator can successfully build alliances with established opposition figures and translate his growing public profile into a formidable national campaign.
With the 2027 General Election drawing closer, Sifuna’s ability to unite different political interests, build a strong national network and maintain the enthusiasm of his youthful supporters is likely to become a major test of his presidential ambitions.
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