Safina Deputy Party Leader Willis Otieno has challenged Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and leaders allied to the emerging Linda Wananchi wing of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to move beyond removal politics and present a concrete economic plan to Kenyans.

Taking to his official X account on Monday, March 2, 2026, the prominent lawyer and political commentator said while opposition leaders have succeeded in energising public debate around governance and accountability, they risk losing credibility if they fail to articulate what comes next.

According to him, focusing on removing President William Ruto from power is not enough.

“Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Wananchi wing leaders are doing well, but if they want to be taken seriously, they must articulate what comes after removal politics. What is the economic blueprint?” Otieno stated.

Cost of living

Otieno argued that removal rhetoric alone cannot substitute for policy clarity, especially at a time when many households are grappling with the high cost of living.

He further noted that for Sifuna’s camp to succeed, they must tell Kenyans about their fiscal plan and outline how they will address issues such as debt, unemployment, taxation, healthcare, and the cost of living.

“What is the fiscal plan? How do they deal with debt, unemployment, taxation, healthcare, and the cost of living?” he wrote on X.

The remarks come amid heightened political activity and growing calls within sections of the opposition for sweeping political change ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sifuna wave

Kabuchai Member of Parliament Majimbo Kalasinga has, on the other hand, warned that any aspirant from Western Kenya who does not align with Sifuna will face defeat in 2027.

Speaking during the funeral of the uncle of the outspoken senator, held at KMTC grounds in Bungoma, Kanduyi Constituency, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, Kalasinga stated that all elective seats in the region will be won only by those who support the embattled ODM secretary general.

“Kama wewe unatoka eneo la western na unaenda kusimama kiti chochote, whether MCA, MP, governor ama Senator, kama hauimbi wimbo wa Sifuna nyumbani,” Kalasinga said.