Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has acknowledged the growing political influence of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in Western Kenya while cautioning the emerging opposition figure against rushing into the presidential race.
Speaking during a joint Western Kenya press briefing, Mudavadi said he respects Sifuna but urged the ODM Secretary-General to extend the same respect to other leaders, particularly in his public rallies and political engagements.Mudavadi described Sifuna as a capable and emerging leader with the opportunity to sell his agenda to the people but argued that political experience remains an important factor in the quest for the presidency.
Photo|PCS Mudavadi and Western Governor’s during joint presser.
He cautioned that attracting large crowds should not automatically be interpreted as a guarantee of electoral victory.
“We have experience in politics. You cannot wake up today and announce that you need the presidency. Pulling crowds doesn’t guarantee victory,” Mudavadi said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also pointed to the history of Luhya politicians who commanded significant public support but failed to ascend to the presidency.He cited former Vice President Kijana Wamalwa and other leaders as examples, suggesting that Sifuna should take his political ambitions gradually rather than assuming that his current popularity automatically translates into national support.
Mudavadi further dismissed suggestions that the Mulembe Nation is divided, saying Western Kenya remains united despite emerging political differences and competing political interests.Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka echoed Mudavadi’s sentiments, warning Sifuna against relying heavily on crowds as a measure of political strength.
Lusaka said Sifuna has every right to seek any elective position but urged him to avoid what he described as chest-thumping and the use of abusive language against fellow leaders.He argued that political crowds can be unpredictable, noting that President William Ruto also attracts large gatherings during his tours.
“Crowds can deceive you. Don’t bank on them because you had the same people who came to see President William Ruto today,” Lusaka said.
The governor acknowledged Sifuna’s emergence as an influential political figure but maintained that he should be patient and consider working with the government.
Busia Governor Paul Otwoma also defended the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying his decision to support the broad-based government was influenced by what he described as tangible development in his county.
Otwoma cited road construction and other infrastructure projects as evidence of what he said was the government’s impact in Busia.“I cannot leave the government for the opposition.
“In Busia alone, we have tangible developments like roads and others,” Otwoma said.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa similarly praised the broad-based government, arguing that the administration has delivered significant development projects in the county.
Barasa said the county’s sugar sector had benefited from government interventions, including the revival of sugar industries and improved payments to farmers.
He specifically pointed to Mumias Sugar, saying farmers were now receiving payments more promptly following decisions taken by President Ruto’s administration.Barasa dismissed opposition criticism of the government as propaganda, insisting that residents of Kakamega had witnessed development on a scale he described as unprecedented since independence.
“As Kakamega people, we can’t cry because what we have seen has never been seen before since independence,” Barasa said.
The remarks come amid growing political attention around Sifuna’s rising popularity in Western Kenya, where his recent public rallies have attracted significant crowds and renewed debate over the region’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.