Salasya predicts Sifuna may struggle to get 300,000 votes in 2027
By David Nthua, July 5, 2026Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has said Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna may struggle to garner even 300,000 votes nationally if he decides to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
Salasya made the remarks after Sifuna’s appearance at a funeral in Bungoma County, where the Nairobi senator exchanged political attacks with Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa.
“If Sifuna chooses to create confusion within the opposition, he should be prepared to run on his own. Based on this view, he may struggle to attract even 300,000 votes,” Salasya wrote.
Salasya on Bungoma
The Mumias East legislator also said the reception Sifuna received in Bungoma raised questions about his political influence.
“It was quite embarrassing for a purported presidential candidate.
“After speaking so harshly in his own home turf, the crowd left almost immediately, with Didmus Barasa, as he remained with empty chairs. It was a big embarrassment,” Salasya stated.
He further argued that the events in Bungoma reflected ODM’s historical electoral performance in the county.
“If this is any indication, it raises questions about Sifuna’s political support even in his own constituency of Bumula in Bungoma. No wonder ODM has not secured even a single MP or MCA seat in Bungoma,” he added.
Sifuna attacks Barasa
During the funeral, Sifuna defended the opposition’s criticism of President William Ruto’s administration before turning his attention to Barasa.
“There are reasons we are saying Ruto must go. He is manufacturing victims of police violence more than he can compensate them.
“I am tired as an opposition leader. Every day you wake up to cases of doctors, teachers and Ebola.
“Even if opposition is meant to keep the government in check, this one is giving us a difficult job,” Sifuna said.
He then criticised the Kimilili MP over his conduct in Parliament and his political activities in Bungoma.
“Barasa, you cannot go to Parliament and pass a bill that oppresses Kenyans, and then on Friday walk to bank in Bungoma take loose Ksh100 notes and distribute them to people.
“You then go ahead and post on the internet that people do not want Sifuna. We have known you, and for that reason, you will be the last person to leave this funeral,” Sifuna said.
The exchange between Sifuna and Barasa has continued to draw reactions from leaders across the political divide as debate over the opposition’s strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election intensifies.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma also mocked Sifuna after the Bungoma incident.