Sifuna allays supporters' concerns of new political party as IEBC deadline looms
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
The newspapers Saturday, August 22, reported on an array of politics, with focus on the Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna's team which has yet to register its political party ahead of the 2027 General Election, this as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)'s deadline looms.
1. Saturday Nation
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has brushed aside alarm over his movement's party registration difficulties, insisting he has the situation in hand, even as allied politicians openly urged Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale to surrender his party leadership to Sifuna ahead of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's looming deadline.
The statements came during the burial of Khalwale's wife, Gloria, where leaders from Western Kenya used the occasion to endorse Sifuna's 2027 presidential ambitions and press for clarity on what political vehicle he will use.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala was the most direct, calling on Khalwale to hand over the leadership of the United Patriotic Movement (UPM) so that Sifuna could use it as a campaign platform.
"Boni was the mastermind of Sifuna's presidential journey. You only have one job remaining: to help Sifuna become the president of Kenya. Khalwale, you have a party. If you love Sifuna, relinquish your position as the party leader. Let Sifuna be the party leader and use it to campaign with," Malala said.
Malala warned that roughly 50 days remained before the IEBC's October 15 deadline for parties to submit member names and signatures, arguing the government was deliberately obstructing Sifuna's registration efforts.
"We know a party cannot be registered in such a period. Our son should not be frustrated searching for a party when Khalwale already has one," he said, adding that DCP would nonetheless campaign for Sifuna across other regions.
Sifuna was dismissive of the suggestion that his team lacked a path forward, drawing on lessons he said he had absorbed from his time in ODM under Raila Odinga.
"A big part of our success is the result of some people looking down on us. Let Malala not think that I don't have a party," Sifuna said.
"We were in the school of the professor of politics, Raila Odinga. Let our people relax. They are out there attempting to deny us our brand, because we marketed Linda Mwananchi. Should they close all the doors, we shall have an outfit even if it is the Tent party of Kenya, Grass or Flower party of Kenya."
He also questioned Malala's interest in his movement's internal affairs.
"I don't know why Malala is bothered with Linda Mwananchi issues," Sifuna said.
Khalwale was equally sharp in his response, questioning why Malala had chosen to raise the matter in Western Kenya rather than in Mt Kenya, and taking aim at Malala's track record.
"The problem with Malala is that he has the habit of jumping from one party to another," he said.
Siaya governor James Orengo sought to calm supporters, confirming the movement would formalise into a party.
"We know the election timelines and we will not let you down," Orengo said.
The Linda Mwananchi name itself remains contested.
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) earlier rejected the group's reservation of the name Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya, citing similarity with an already reserved slogan and public interest considerations.
Sifuna's removal as ODM secretary-general preceded the formation of the movement, which has since toured multiple counties positioning itself as an alternative to ODM.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.