SIFUNA’S 2027 BID DOOMED BY OLD GUARD ALLIANCE- MIGUNA

Lawyer Miguna Miguna has launched a scathing attack on Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, warning that his growing association with established political figures could undermine his chances of becoming Kenya’s president in the 2027 General Election.

In a strongly worded post on X on Wednesday, October 21, Miguna declared that Sifuna had “ZERO chance” of winning the presidency, arguing that the political figures surrounding him could undermine his attempt to present himself as an alternative to Kenya’s existing political establishment.

Miguna’s criticism followed Sifuna’s meeting with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri on Tuesday, October 20, during Mashujaa Day celebrations.

The meeting brought together Sifuna, who has been associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, and Gachagua, the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), reigniting debate over possible alliances among opposition figures ahead of the next election.

In his post, Miguna drew parallels between the political circumstances surrounding Raila Odinga’s defeat in the 2022 presidential election and what he believes could become an obstacle to Sifuna’s ambitions.

He argued that Raila’s association with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the legacy of his administration contributed to his electoral loss, citing allegations of human rights abuses, tribalism, corruption, constitutional violations and impunity.

Miguna warned that Sifuna risked facing a similar challenge if he aligned himself with political figures he considers part of the same establishment.

He specifically named Uhuru, Gachagua, George Natembeya, Caroli Omondi, Pauline Njoroge and Karanja Kibicho among those whose political associations, in his view, could weigh against the senator.

The lawyer also questioned Sifuna’s political messaging, describing him as an opportunist who relies on slogans rather than offering the fundamental changes Kenya needs.

“Anyone who condones and celebrates election theft must be ready to be stolen from,” Miguna wrote, in a post that also called for a radical transformation of the country’s political institutions.

He maintained that Kenya needed a deeper overhaul of its existing structures rather than another political arrangement built around familiar personalities.

Miguna’s remarks have added to the growing debate surrounding Sifuna’s engagement with Gachagua, a meeting that has attracted criticism from different political camps.

The Wamunyoro meeting has sparked questions about whether emerging opposition partnerships could complicate efforts to rebuild the Azimio la Umoja coalition ahead of the 2027 polls.

Some political commentators and public figures have questioned why Sifuna met Gachagua without the involvement of other prominent opposition leaders, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua.

Radio presenter Alex Mwakideu was among those who questioned the apparent exclusion of the two leaders, raising concerns about the implications for broader opposition cooperation.

The engagement has also been viewed as a potential complication for Kalonzo’s reported efforts to revive Azimio under the Ukombozi Coalition banner, particularly given the reservations expressed by Gachagua’s DCP and sections of the Linda Mwananchi camp about returning to the existing coalition structure.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also dismissed the meeting and the prospects of a partnership emerging from it, reflecting divisions over the direction the opposition should take.

Meanwhile, some government supporters and pro-government online commentators criticised Sifuna for meeting Gachagua, with reactions questioning the senator’s political judgment and the implications of working with the former deputy president.

Despite the criticism, both Sifuna and Gachagua have defended the need for dialogue between opposition leaders, presenting such engagements as part of efforts to build a formidable political front against President William Ruto.

Sifuna has maintained that he is willing to work with any political figure who shares the objective of preventing Ruto from securing another term.

Gachagua, on his part, has expressed willingness to support a strong opposition candidate, including Sifuna, should the senator emerge as a credible contender.

Their positions have fuelled speculation over whether the meeting could lay the groundwork for closer political cooperation, although no formal agreement on a joint presidential bid has been established in the material available.

Former Azimio ally Pauline Njoroge also came to Sifuna’s defence, challenging pro-government bloggers who criticised the senator’s engagement with Gachagua. She questioned the consistency of their criticism given their support for an administration that has faced scrutiny over casualties linked to anti-government protests.

Miguna’s intervention underscores the challenges facing opposition figures seeking to unite around a common political agenda while distancing themselves from the political establishment they criticise.

By invoking Raila’s 2022 defeat, the lawyer suggested that Sifuna could struggle to convince voters that he represents a genuine break from the past if his political associations contradict that message.

He further dismissed online bravado, political threats and campaign rhetoric as insufficient to secure the presidency, insisting that Kenya needs a revolutionary transformation of its institutions and political culture.