Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has come out to slam Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, who recently dismissed Linda Mwananchi team leader Edwin Sifuna’s ambition of vying for the presidency in 2027.

While speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in the heels of a politically charged weekend, during which the Bungoma governor threw cold water on Sifuna’s presidential bid by saying his prospects were slim and that the quest would be a wild goose chase, Osotsi came to Sifuna’s defence.

“I want to inform them that President Obama became the President of the US after serving for only two years as a senator, and he became the president, because the people decided so,” he said.

“When you tell us someone is not capable of becoming the president simply because of age, or simply because he has been a one-time senator, and you are not telling us about what you are doing to uplift the standards of living of our people.”

The Vihiga senator told Lusaka that just as former US President Barack Obama was elected president after serving only one term in the Senate, Edwin Sifuna also has the potential to rise to the country’s top seat.

Osotsi further argued that Obama became president after only a few years in the Senate because the people wanted him, and that the same could happen to the embattled Orange Democratic Movement secretary-general.

He also took issue with Lusaka’s remarks that Sifuna is too young to become president, challenging the governor to show the people of Western Kenya instead what he has achieved for the region during his many years in politics.

Kalasinga’s argument

Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga has also launched a scathing attack on Lusaka after he dismissed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.

Speaking to the media on Monday, June 1, 2026, the outspoken legislator told the governor that times have changed and that it is now Sifuna’s time to lead the nation.

Kalasinga challenged the Bungoma governor to point out a single rally he has held in the past that can be compared to the massive crowds. Edwin Sifuna has been attracting in different parts of the country.

“Wewe, Lusaka, ile wewe ulisema ati yakwamba sisi hatuna pesa ya kukimbia Kenya; count for us one rally ambayo mmerun nyinyi na ikakuwa successful kama zilecisi tumerun; bila hiyo pesa wewe umesema western region direction ni Edwin Sifuna,” Kalasinga said.

Lusaka warns Sifuna

The governor in his remarks had argued that a successful presidential campaign requires enormous financial resources, something he believes the Nairobi senator does not possess.

Lusaka further warned that Sifuna could even lose his Senate seat if he continues pursuing the presidency.

The Bungoma governor, who also serves as President William Ruto’s Western Region campaign coordinator, maintained that President Ruto is headed for re-election and will secure victory by a large margin.

“Sisi hatuseme yakuwa hatuwezj kuwa na kiongozi ambaye hawezi kuwa rais hata sifuna anaweza kuwa, lakini wakati bado,” Lusaka said