Why Kalonzo-Sifuna presidential ticket could be a possibility ahead of 2027
By Mabonga Makhanu, April 5, 2026As the battle lines for the 2027 general elections become clear, especially for the opposition, since they are yet to come out and announce their lineup, which will face their worthy competitor, President William Ruto, in 2027.
But despite the United Opposition being undecided on who to front as flagbearer, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s ticket with Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna as a presidential candidate and his running mate, respectively, could feature in the surprise line-up.
Especially now, coming to a time when Linda Mwananchi joining the United Opposition is no longer a matter of if but when.
Edwin Sifuna has been leading the Linda Mwananchi faction, which has seen him draw large crowds across the country, especially after his attempted ouster from the secretary general seat. He has been taking the country by storm. and has already shown interest in working with the United Opposition ahead of 2027.
He has stated that there is a common understanding among Kenyans that for William Ruto to be defeated, there must be overwhelming repudiation from the electorate, and to achieve this, the opposition must approach it as a unit.
He further stated that he does not want to be part of any vote-splitting mechanism. He encouraged the united opposition to continue with their endeavours, noting that their paths would soon converge.
Azimio’s 2027 plan
Suba North MP Caroli Omondi, who was recently appointed Secretary General of the recently revamped Azimio la Umoja, commented on this, stating that as Secretary General, he will ensure that in 2027 it will be time to reciprocate to the communities that have consistently supported Raila Odinga.
According to him, these communities will produce the president and deputy president. He added that in 2027, there will be no Luo or Kikuyu presidential ticket; as it was in 2022, instead, it will be the communities that have stood by Raila who will have their turn.
“We want a new Kenyan. There will be no Luo, there will be no Kikuyu, and I’m being blunt here, on the ticket, at least on the Azimio tickets.”
Omondi further stated that the 2027 presidential race will also be a compromise between the old and the young, clearly indicating Azimio’s target choice for the presidency.
“Two, it is going to be a compromise between the old generation and the new generation, because for everybody to deliver the knockout punch, we all must be together. Three, those who stood with Baba all through are known. And those who joined, and those who are willing to join to deliver Baba’s dream – those are the people we want to focus on.”
Uhuru-Gachagua factor
To add weight to this, Caroli Omondi further took a swipe at the Kirinyaga meeting, where retired President Uhuru Kenyatta was present and met with his former ally, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua. Uhuru went ahead to use Gachagua’s symbol of “listening to the ground”, which is very significant.
Omondi exuded confidence in this move, saying it might give the united opposition 16 million votes against Ruto.
Kalonzo’s plan
Kalonzo, on his side, said that he will convince his united opposition principals to use Azimio la Umoja as their vehicle for 2027, possibly changing the name to “Komboa Kenya“, insisting there is no need to form a new political vehicle.
He added that along the way, their paths with Linda Mwananchi will soon converge, heaping praise on Sifuna and saying he wants to mentor him, noting that Sifuna is already well-schooled and mentored by Raila Odinga’s school of politics.
Although some political analysts, like Herman Manyora, have cautioned Sifuna against going for the deputy president slot, saying that 2027 is Sifuna’s moment and he is above the deputy president position, everything points at the Nairobi senator being settled as a running mate for the opposition. Why Kenyans should expect a Kalonzo-Sifuna ticket in 2027