Why Sifuna’s third force will rattle Ruto in 2027 polls
By Rawlings Otieno, August 5, 2025A new political third force has emerged, bringing together youthful lawmakers from across the political divide even as the 2027 poll beckons.
The outfit dubbed ‘Kenya Moja’, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Caleb Hamisi (Saboti), Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), Jack Wamboka (Bumula), Oscar Nabulindo (Matungu) and Babu Owino (Embakasi East), is now pushing for a generational change in the poll, citing failed leadership, accountability and governance.
Others leaning towards the ‘Kenya Moja’ political coalition include Clive Gisaire (Kitutu Masaba), Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti) and Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai).
This group appears to be advocating for a ‘new generation leadership’ and is potentially preparing for the 2027 elections.
The third force, which includes figures like Caleb Amisi, is reportedly prepared to leave the ODM party if certain conditions are met.
The movement’s activities involve gatherings and discussions, indicating an active effort to establish itself.
Amisi said that the group will continue doing the ‘kikao na wamama’, loosely translated as Women Empowerment, in all wards, all constituencies and all counties.
“This is the ‘Third Declaration’ of William Ruto is one term, and all future presidents shall be one term unless he/she perform and that you want us to lead the third and final liberation as Team Fresh Kenya. Team Renaissance. Kenya needs a Renaissance,” said Hamisi.
Already, Sifuna has declared he will ditch the ODM should the Orange party decide to support the re-election of President Ruto in the 2027 elections.
Priority agenda
“I am ready to read all ODM statements, even if they insult me, I will read them out. But the day they decide that ODM party will support Ruto in 2027, I want to say before you and before God, that’s something I will not read,” said Sifuna.
Sifuna, who commands significant urban support, especially among the youth and progressive voices as the Nairobi Senator, has been a vocal critic of Ruto’s administration, especially the broad-based government, which he has accused of failing to respect the constitution and human rights.
“I will not be intimidated. If ODM decides to support Kasongo, I will quit. Making Kasongo a one-term president is a national agenda.
He went on: “I want William Ruto to know that his removal from office is a national priority agenda, it is the only agenda because his government has totally opposed what the constitution stands for.”
Political analysts argue that Sifuna’s defiance, including his public declaration that he is unwilling to support the re-election of Ruto, underscores a principled stand that resonates with a segment of ODM’s traditional base.
Sifuna’s principles align with the urban youth and progressive reformists who view any rapprochement with Ruto’s administration as a betrayal.
Political analyst Dismas Mokua argues Kenyans will approach the 2027 general elections with their selfish interests in mind, adding that candidates who capture Kenya’s cumulative interests and aspirations will have the political leg up.
“Kenya’s cumulative interests and aspirations will be captured by political formations that embrace democratic meritocracy anchored in capacity, competence and character. Character will be an indispensable proposition,” says Mokua.
Mokua further contends that democratic meritocracy leadership will unleash Kenya’s cumulative potential and create wealth and employment opportunities.
According to Mokua, the 2027 political formations must therefore demonstrate fidelity to democratic meritocracy and present candidates who have capacity, character and competence.
Mokua further argues that there is no evidence that age is a material factor in establishing character, capacity and competence in the context of democratic meritocracy.
Mixed signals
However, University of Eldoret don Dr Phillip Chebunet argues that the so-called new generation of young political leaders is increasingly confused and inconsistent.
“They lack the courage to take a clear stand, preferring instead to play both sides of the political divide — chasing power and benefits wherever they can,” says Chebunet.
According to Chebunet, Sifuna, for example, is busy fighting for political survival in Nairobi, while also trying to remain relevant within ODM and still tap into the perks of the so-called “broad-based government.”
“Kenya doesn’t need political opportunists. We need principled leaders who are bold enough to say: “This is where I stand.” They have no chance in 2027,” summarises Chebunet.
High Court advocate and political analyst Dr Martin Oloo, on his part, charges that the country is ripe for a generational change, adding that the present generation has been around for far too long.
“The present generation has been around for far too long. It is no longer representing the force for good. It is therefore time for younger people to take the centre stage,” says Oloo, adding that the political stage is set for upsets.
“The younger leaders are resonating with the Gen Z vibe. They want change. They want accountability and integrity. They have lost hope in the current crop of leaders.”