Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has launched a fresh attack on Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, dismissing his growing popularity and insisting that President William Ruto would comfortably defeat him in a presidential contest.
Speaking during a public event in Western Kenya, Savula argued that Sifuna lacks the political experience and grassroots support needed to mount a serious challenge for the country’s top seat.
He claimed the senator’s recent rise in national politics has been exaggerated and would not translate into votes during a general election.
The deputy governor further maintained that Sifuna’s political career has largely been built on the backing he received from the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. According to Savula, Sifuna had previously failed in elective politics before securing the Nairobi Senate seat after receiving Raila’s endorsement, arguing that the ODM politician has yet to demonstrate independent political strength.
“Sifuna stood in 2013 for the ODM nomination in Bungoma’s Kanduyi Constituency. He flopped at the nomination. Raila gave him an ODM ticket in Nairobi in 2017. He lost the Senate seat to Sakaja until Raila raised Sifuna’s hand in the 2022 election. He became a senator. Sifuna on his own ni moto ya gazeti,” Savula said.
Savula also predicted that President Ruto would have little difficulty defeating Sifuna, saying the Head of State continues to enjoy growing support, particularly in Western Kenya. He reiterated his confidence that the region will back Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, citing what he described as shifting political dynamics following Raila’s exit from active politics.
“I’ve never been in ODM, but let me tell you the truth on the ground in Western. I have been elected three times in that region. I know the politics of that area at different levels,” he said.
His remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general election, with Sifuna emerging as one of the opposition figures whose profile has risen significantly in recent months.
A recent TIFA opinion poll suggested that a united opposition ticket featuring Sifuna and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i could pose a serious challenge to Ruto’s re-election bid, although no official opposition coalition has settled on a presidential candidate.
Savula has consistently criticised Sifuna in recent months, previously describing his popularity as temporary and questioning his political influence, while remaining one of President Ruto’s most vocal allies in Western Kenya.
