Kabuchai Member of Parliament Majimbo Kalasinga has stated that President William Ruto has begun using leaders from the Western region to fight the rise of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

While speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Friday, June 5, 2026, the outspoken MP claimed that after President William Ruto realised it would be shameful and demeaning for him to directly engage Sifuna, whose political star is steadily rising, he resorted to using the Nairobi senator’s own kinsmen from the Western region to fight him.

“After Ruto saw it as demeaning and shameful to fight Sifuna directly, he has decided to use his kinsmen to fight him,” he said.

He continued arguing that leaders from Western Kenya should have been the last people to oppose Edwin Sifuna since he is one of their own. Kalasinga noted that although many people across the country have expressed interest in national leadership, some leaders have chosen to focus their attacks on Sifuna instead.

According to the MP, this selective criticism raises questions, especially considering that Sifuna is among the few leaders from the region whose political influence continues to grow nationally.

Opposition to Sifuna’s ambitions

His remarks come at a time when several leaders from Western Kenya, led by Bungoma governor Ken Lusaka, have expressed strong opposition to Sifuna’s decision to venture into national politics, with some questioning whether he has the political strength and support required to mount a serious presidential bid.

The outspoken former Senate Speaker has cautioned Sifuna against making a misstep by vying for the presidency in 2027, arguing that such a move could leave him out in the political cold for the rest of his career.

Lusaka dismisses Sifuna’s bid

Lusaka further stated that he is not opposed to Sifuna’s political ambitions but advised him to take a step back and wait for the future so that he can build his political experience and muscle before making a bid for the country’s top seat.

“Be careful of Kenyans. They can kill your political career. Kenyans can hype you to go for the presidency, but when it comes to voting, they step aside and leave you out to suffer,” he said.

The Bungoma governor urged the Nairobi senator to focus on growing his political profile and consolidating his support base before considering a presidential bid.

Regional politics

Majimbo Kalasinga has also rejected efforts to reduce his Linda Mwananchi team leader to a Bungoma politician.

“Luckily enough, Sifuna has not been branded as a Luhya politician. He has been treated as a Kenyan, and that is the advantage Sifuna has. But when I hear someone saying that Sifuna should first explain his agenda to the people of Western Kenya, then that is simply reducing him to a Bungoma politician, and we do not want that.” Kalasinga stated