The Luhya Elders Forum has endorsed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as its preferred opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying he has demonstrated leadership qualities and enjoys support from Kenyans across different regions.
The elders made the announcement on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in Kakamega during a meeting convened to install new leadership for the forum following the death of former chairman Patrick Wangamati in July.
Speaking to the media, deputy chairman Noah Wekesa said Sifuna had shown the ability to attract support beyond Western Kenya and had built a national following ahead of the next election. He described the senator as a son of the community who has remained committed to joining other leaders in shaping the country’s political future.
“Our son Edwin Sifuna has been accepted by a lot of Kenyans, and since he is our son, we naturally want to state very clearly that we support his efforts of wanting to join others in the political arena,” Wekesa said.
The elders noted that Sifuna had toured close to seventeen counties before returning to Western Kenya, where they said he was received by large crowds. According to Wekesa, the reception cut across age groups and social backgrounds, which he said was an indication of the senator’s growing national appeal.
“This young man has been close to 17 counties before he came here, and we have seen mammoth, huge crowds of young people, old people, poor people supporting Sifuna. So we as elders, we are right behind him,” Wekesa added.
The forum said it would have officially blessed Sifuna during the meeting had he been present. Wekesa said the traditional blessing would have marked the community’s formal approval of his political ambitions.
“If he was here, we would put our hands on his head and say, son, go ahead and join others in the effort of trying to produce new leadership in Kenya,” he said.
While endorsing him, the elders acknowledged that Sifuna is not the only leader seeking influence within the opposition. They urged him to reach out to other political leaders and build consensus ahead of the polls.
“We are quite aware that he is not alone in the opposition. Join these people, talk to them, agree with them on the way forward,” Wekesa said.
The elders also expressed confidence that other opposition leaders would eventually rally behind Sifuna. They argued that his emergence has been organic and that his message has resonated with ordinary citizens who are looking for new leadership.
“He has emerged naturally, and we believe even the others will support him to be the presidential candidate,” Wekesa said.
During the same meeting, veteran politician and former ambassador Burudi Nabwera was named the new chairman of the Luhya Elders Forum, taking over from the late Wangamati. The elders said Nabwera’s experience in public service and diplomacy would help guide the forum’s engagement in national politics in the coming months.
The endorsement comes days after the Vihiga Elders Council announced its exit from ODM and declared support for Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement. Led by council chairman and former Bahati MP Fred Omido, the Vihiga elders said Sifuna has the capacity to unite Western Kenya and restore the region’s political influence.
“We have resolved to stand with our son Sifuna because he has demonstrated courage, consistency and the willingness to speak for ordinary Kenyans. Western Kenya needs a fearless leader, and we believe Sifuna is that leader,” Omido said.
The Vihiga elders said their decision to leave ODM was informed by what they described as the party’s departure from its founding ideals. They cited internal disagreements and Sifuna’s removal as Secretary General as key reasons for their move.
“We have left ODM because it no longer represents the aspirations of many people in this region. Linda Mwananchi offers hope, accountability and a fresh political direction,” said elder Osiako.
They added that Sifuna’s removal from the ODM position had instead increased his popularity in the region, with many supporters viewing it as unfair. Sifuna has since challenged the decision in court, arguing that the process violated the party’s constitution.
In recent weeks, Sifuna has been holding rallies in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties as part of efforts to expand his support base in Western Kenya. His Linda Mwananchi platform has focused on governance, accountability and the economic challenges facing ordinary citizens.
Political observers say the early endorsement from elders in Western Kenya signals growing interest within the community to front one of its own for the presidency in 2027. The Luhya vote remains one of the largest voting blocs nationally, and any candidate who secures significant support from the region will enter the race with considerable strength.
