Lugari residents braved evening rain and chilly weather on Sunday to wait for Edwin Sifuna, who eventually made his way to Lumakanda and addressed thousands of supporters gathered under the lights.
Sifuna, who was concluding a two-day tour of Kakamega County, arrived in Lumakanda late in the evening after being delayed by enthusiastic residents lined up along the Eldoret-Webuye Highway in Lwandeti and Chimoi, who stopped his convoy and insisted on hearing from him.
The delays pushed back his arrival at Lumakanda Grounds, where thousands had gathered since the afternoon in anticipation of the Nairobi senator and his Linda Mwananchi team.
But despite the late hour and worsening weather, the crowd stayed on, turning the eventual arrival into a spirited reception for Sifuna, whose presidential ambitions have increasingly drawn attention across the region.
The Lumakanda rally, hosted by area MCA Bernard Bokanda Mulama, marked the final stop of Sifuna’s Kakamega tour, which had taken him through Mumias, Navakholo and Malava on the second day.
Residents also expressed their support for Sifuna in a more tangible way, with some making cash contributions to the Nairobi Senator during the rally. The spontaneous donations, made as Sifuna addressed the gathering, added another dimension to the enthusiastic reception.
Addressing the gathering, Sifuna, flanked by other Linda Mwananchi leaders including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, thanked residents for their patience and support, promising not to let down the Mulembe Nation if given an opportunity to lead the country.
He said his administration would prioritise the rule of law, constitutionalism and accountability, while distancing itself from what he described as practices under the current government.
“Our government will not kill young people. Our government will follow the rule of law. We will not give tenders to people based on their political connections, as is allegedly happening under the current regime,” Sifuna said.
Adding to the spectacle, scores of residents climbed and stood atop the rocky hill overlooking the town, turning the elevated ground into a natural viewing gallery. From the vantage point, they watched the proceedings late into the night, cheering and following Sifuna’s address.
The Nairobi senator presented himself as a leader committed to defending the Constitution and speaking the truth, seeking to consolidate support in Western Kenya as he positions himself for the 2027 presidential contest.
The turnout, coupled with the willingness of residents to wait in the rain and cold until late in the evening, provided a vivid demonstration of the growing political interest surrounding Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi campaign in Western Kenya.
