Osotsi rallies Western region to back Sifuna in 2027, says youth must take over leadership
By Sharon Atieno, June 28, 2026Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has intensified calls for the Western region to unite behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna ahead of the 2027 General Election, declaring that the region must abandon old political thinking and allow younger leaders to take charge of Kenya’s future.
Speaking during the Linda Mwananchi Meet the People Tour in Navakholo Constituency on Saturday, June 28, 2026, Osotsi said the Mulembe nation risks missing a major political opportunity if it fails to rally behind youthful leadership at a time when the country is demanding fresh ideas and new energy.
The senator argued that Western Kenya should stop sidelining younger leaders simply because of age, insisting Sifuna has already proved himself as a national political force capable of shaping the country’s leadership conversation.
“As the Luhya community, 2027 should be our moment to put Sifuna forward. But there are some senior leaders here at home saying young people should not be given leadership opportunities simply because they see him as a child,” Osotsi said.
Youth leadership debate takes centre stage
Osotsi dismissed arguments that younger politicians lack the experience needed for top leadership, saying history has repeatedly shown that age and wealth do not automatically define leadership ability.
Drawing comparisons with former United States President Barack Obama, the senator said Kenya must learn to trust young leaders with bigger responsibilities instead of reserving national leadership positions for the older political establishment.
“Obama became president when he was still young and he did not come from wealth. Leadership is not about age. It is about vision, courage and understanding what people need,” he said.
He insisted the country was entering a new political era where generational leadership transition can no longer be delayed.
Sifuna’s growing national profile
The latest endorsement comes as Sifuna increasingly finds himself at the centre of national political conversations, with his rising influence triggering debate even among leaders from Western Kenya.
Earlier in June 2026, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga claimed there were deliberate efforts by leaders allied to President William Ruto to frustrate Sifuna’s growing national political influence.
Kalasinga argued that instead of supporting one of their own, some Western Kenya politicians had chosen to undermine the Nairobi senator despite his expanding national appeal.
“After seeing it would be shameful to fight Sifuna directly, some leaders have now been used to fight him politically. Western leaders should be the last people opposing him,” Kalasinga said at the time.
Osotsi faults state of economy and education
At the same time, Osotsi launched criticism over the state of the country, saying ordinary Kenyans continue facing growing hardship as major sectors struggle under poor leadership and failed policies.
The senator said the economy continues to deteriorate while schools remain trapped in confusion over the Competency Based Education (CBE) system, arguing that both parents and teachers still do not fully understand the education model.
He further raised concern over what he termed the collapse of healthcare services, saying the country needs leaders capable of fixing systems affecting ordinary citizens.
“Education has been destroyed. Teachers and parents do not understand CBE. The economy has worsened, and our health sector is struggling. Kenya needs leaders who understand these problems and can offer solutions,” Osotsi said.
The remarks now place Sifuna’s political future firmly at the centre of growing succession politics as momentum builds around youthful leadership heading into 2027.