Political analyst Herman Manyora has dismissed attempts to compare Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa, insisting the two politicians operate at completely different levels of influence.

Speaking during an interview on his channel on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Manyora argued that while Barasa is a popular grassroots politician with significant influence in his constituency, Sifuna has grown into a national political figure whose appeal extends beyond local politics.

“Please, you cannot put Sifuna and Didmus in the same sentence. These are two different people. Both of them are good politicians, but they don’t occupy the same space,” Manyora said.

Barasa’s style of politics

He described Barasa as “a village politician” whose influence is largely confined to his local political base, while portraying Sifuna as a leader with national appeal and even the potential to seek the presidency in future.

“Sifuna is a national figure. He is a man who can even be your president. You cannot compare him with Didmus,” he added.

Manyora acknowledged that Barasa commands a loyal following in Kimilili and understands grassroots politics exceptionally well.

“Didmus is a popular politician, no doubt about it. He is also populist. He understands the ground very well. He knows how to use resources, and he has a style that the locals have become accustomed to and appreciate. When Didmus attends a funeral and leaves, many people follow him, often expecting financial assistance,” he said.

However, the analyst argued that Barasa’s influence ends at the constituency level, while Sifuna’s political reach begins on the national stage.

According to Manyora, the two should therefore not be judged using the same political yardstick.

Didimus barasa emptying funerals

His remarks come amid growing public debate following a series of events in Bungoma County where Barasa has walked out shortly after addressing gatherings attended by Sifuna.

In several instances, large sections of the audience have followed the Kimilili MP, leaving noticeably smaller crowds behind before the Nairobi senator takes to the podium.

The incidents have sparked mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans praising Barasa’s ability to mobilise crowds, while others argue that crowd size alone should not be used to measure a politician’s national influence.

Sifuna’s reaction

The political rivalry between the two has also become increasingly personal. Sifuna, who traces his roots to Bungoma County, recently told Barasa that he had lost both his support and that of his mother.

“My mother will not vote for you,” Sifuna said during one of the exchanges.

Barasa has, however, dismissed claims that he deliberately empties venues attended by the senator. He maintains that he does not ask people to leave with him, insisting that his supporters choose to accompany him on their own after he finishes speaking.

Manyora has argued that it could have been much easier if Barasa had leveraged Sifuna’s influence in his quest for the gubernatorial seat.