Sifuna embraces His Excellency title as he amplifies call to send Ruto home
By Sharon Atieno, July 18, 2026Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has ruled out votes for President William Ruto in Taita Taveta County in the 2027 General Election, declaring that residents will reject what he referred to as the “Kasongo” administration.
Speaking during the Linda Mwananchi tour in Taita Taveta on Saturday, July 18, 2026, Sifuna said the country had suffered under what he described as authoritarian leadership and called for a return to democratic governance and respect for constitutional rights.
“Hakuna kura ya Kasongo Taita Taveta (There are no votes for Kasongo in Taita Taveta),” Sifuna said.
Sifuna embraces ‘His Excellency’ title
Sifuna also addressed the growing use of the title “His Excellency” by young people who, he said, had chosen to recognise him in that manner despite his political position.
He recalled that when he previously visited the region with his father, he was known as the ODM secretary-general before later being appointed Senate Minority Leader.
“Wakati nilikuja hapa na baba nilikuwa naitwa Katibu Mkuu wa chama. Wameninyang’anya kinara wa pale Bunge, lakini vijana wamesema ni H.E. Inatoshana na mimi,” Sifuna said.
The senator said the title was a reflection of the support he had received from young people.
Sifuna calls for democratic governance
Sifuna accused the government of ruling through force and intimidation, saying Kenyans should be able to express their views without fear of reprisals.
“Tangu aingie kwa uongozi nchi yetu imeingia kwa taabu. Anatutawala kwa kutulazimisha. Wewe maliza uende. Tunataka utawala wa kidemokrasia,” he said.
He said Kenya should return to a system where leaders respect the Constitution, the law and the rights of every citizen.
“Tunataka turudi kwa maadili ya kisheria, ya kufuata Katiba na kuheshimu haki ya kila mtu. Ni mwanademokrasia pekee yake ndiye ataheshimu haki ya kila mtu. Tunataka demokrasia,” Sifuna said.
2027 election countdown begins
Sifuna’s remarks come as political parties and leaders intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set Tuesday, August 10, 2027, as the date for the next General Election.
The Commission’s Election Operations Plan also requires public officers seeking elective positions to resign at least six months before the polls, with the deadline set for February 9, 2027.
The election will determine the President, Members of Parliament, Senators, Governors, Members of County Assembly and Woman Representatives.
Ol Kalou vote cited as warning
Sifuna also praised Ol Kalou residents for what he described as rejecting attempts to influence voters through money and development projects during the recent parliamentary by-election.
He said the outcome demonstrated that voters could not be easily swayed by last-minute promises or handouts.
“Baba hakulea waoga na ndugu zenu wa Ol Kalou wameonyesha kuwa hatuchukui pesa kiasi gani,” Sifuna said.
He questioned the timing of development projects, saying residents should not be expected to view basic services as political favours.
“Lazima kila mtu apate vitu walipeleka Ol Kalou. Kumbe kuweka stima ni kujifanya tu kuwa hawana pesa ya maendeleo?” he posed.
The 2027 polls are expected to be closely contested, with political parties already positioning themselves for a battle likely to be shaped by the performance of the current administration, regional alliances, and growing youth participation in national politics.