How Sifuna’s rising popularity is bringing Western Kenya’s political veterans out of retirement
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 27, 2026Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s growing political influence is increasingly attracting the backing of veteran leaders from the Western Kenya region, many of whom had largely retired from active politics but have now resurfaced to publicly endorse his presidential ambitions.
Once viewed primarily as a youth leader with overwhelming support among Generation Z voters, Sifuna is now steadily winning the confidence of seasoned politicians and respected community elders who believe he has the potential to unite the Western region and mount a formidable national campaign.
Mukhisa Kituyi
Among the first veteran leaders to openly rally behind Sifuna was former Cabinet minister and ex-UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi, who has previously declared his retirement from active politics.
Kituyi, who also serves as the spokesperson of the United Opposition, organised a meeting between Sifuna and Luhya elders at his Mbakalo home, where the Nairobi senator received blessings ahead of his nationwide political mobilisation.
Kituyi personally presided over the meeting and promised to convene more such forums, describing the gathering as only the beginning of a wider effort to introduce Sifuna to opinion leaders across the region.
“Mimi kama baadhi ya viongozi katika serikali mbadala, hatujakuwa na furasa rasmi kumlaki shujaa Edwin Sifuna kama mmoja wetu wa wanao pigania harakati za ukombozi wa tatu,” Mukhisa stated.
Fred Gumo
Former Westlands MP and Cabinet minister Fred Gumo has also thrown his weight behind the Nairobi senator, pledging to support his political journey. Gumo described Sifuna as a unifying figure capable of bringing together a region that has long been criticised for political disunity.
He further invoked the prophecy of the late freedom fighter Elijah Masinde, arguing that the leadership of the Western region would ultimately emerge from the lakeside region. According to Gumo, the political mantle once carried by Raila Odinga has now been passed to Sifuna, explaining what he believes is the senator’s rapid political rise.
Gumo urged residents of the Western region to unite behind Sifuna and even contribute financially towards his political activities to strengthen his nationwide campaign.
Amos Wako
He also revealed that former Attorney General and Busia Senator Amos Wako is among the senior leaders who have privately backed Sifuna’s political ambitions.
“I have spoken to Amos Wako, who is currently in Geneva, and he has told me he supports Edwin Sifuna’s presidential bid,” Gumo claimed.
Philip Kisia
Former Westlands MP and Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Chief Executive Officer Philip Kisia has likewise declared his support for the Linda Mwananchi leader. Kisia said he is impressed by Sifuna’s bold political approach and expressed confidence that the young senator has what it takes to challenge President William Ruto in the next general election.
Musikari Kombo
Former Cabinet minister Musikari Kombo has also publicly endorsed Sifuna. During the senator’s recent homecoming in Bungoma County, Kombo blessed him through traditional prayers and presented him with what he described as manyasi (traditional herbs), saying that although he might not have financial resources to contribute, he could offer blessings as Sifuna embarks on his nationwide political journey.
Kombo urged the Nairobi senator to travel across the country and pursue his political ambitions, expressing hope that he would bring pride to the Western region, which has for decades aspired to produce the country’s top leader.
Noah Wekesa
Former Cabinet minister and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) chairman Noah Wekesa has also joined the list of senior leaders backing Sifuna. Wekesa, who has for years played a key role in guiding community elders on political matters, voiced concern over Sifuna’s treatment within ODM, particularly his removal from the party’s secretary-general position. He also led elders in condemning the decision, arguing that the senator deserved better treatment from the party.
Former Vihiga Governor Moses Akaranga has equally endorsed Sifuna and joined his campaign trail during the senator’s recent rallies in Trans Nzoia County, where he publicly declared his support for the Nairobi lawmaker.
Bwifoli Wakoli
Former Kanduyi MP and Cabinet minister Bifwoli Wakoli, who has since retired from active politics, also played a role in organising Sifuna’s homecoming in Bungoma. He publicly blessed the senator and urged him to go for the presidency while calling on the Western region to unite behind one of its own.
Sifuna’s endorsement
The endorsements mark a significant shift in Sifuna’s political fortunes, with an increasing number of veteran leaders and community elders abandoning political retirement to publicly campaign for the Nairobi senator, a development that his allies believe could strengthen his bid to transform his youthful support into a broader national political movement.