Herman Manyora has come out to explain why Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna might be considered for the opposition’s running mate should he ditch the Orange Democratic Movement party (ODM).

According to Manyora, if ODM frustrates Sifuna or pushes him away, he would leave with a huge chunk of the party’s support, making him a possible contender within the opposition, where he could easily be given the running mate slot.

“It is possible for Sifuna to be the automatic running mate for the opposition because he will be bringing in a chunk of ODM – the real big chunk. Of course, there will be many people who will wake up with him out,” Manyora stated.

He also stated that if Kalonzo Musyoka becomes the opposition’s presidential flag bearer, then the running mate position would most likely go to a Luhya leader. Among those in contention are Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya, and Edwin Sifuna, and in that mix, Sifuna stands out as a strong and threatening option.

“If Kalonzo becomes the opposition’s flag bearer, the running mate automatically has to be a Luhya; there is Wamalwa, there is Natembeya and there is Sifuna, and anytime you combine this, Sifuna is bad news,” Manyora stated

Sifuna’s stab at presidency

Manyora added that Sifuna’s political star is rising and that his prospects are wide open. Beyond the running mate position, Manyora says Sifuna could even seek the top seat. The political commentator explains that this is because he commands a large following among the Gen Zs, and if ODM frustrates him, he could capitalise on that by telling supporters that the party resists change and has no interest in new leadership.

In that scenario, he says that Sifuna would present himself as the face of change and rally the youth by declaring it is their time to lead. Manyora emphasised that this would make him a highly attractive candidate in the national political scene.

Manyora has also warned ODM on how they treat Edwin Sifuna, since, according to Manyora, he can become a thorn in their flesh should they frustrate him and chase him out of the party.