Amisi Warns Sifuna’s Exclusion from 2027 Ballot May Fuel Voter Apathy

People's Renaissance Movement (PM) leader Caleb Amisi has cautioned the United Opposition against sidelining Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in the 2027 presidential race, warning it could lead to widespread voter apathy among Kenyans eager for political change.

In a recent television interview, Amisi emphasized that Sifuna's appeal extends beyond his personal ambitions, representing a broader desire for reform among a significant voter segment. He stated, “Do not underestimate this thing of Mimi ni Sifuna. So much so that if you remove Sifuna on that ballot, most likely there’ll be voter apathy.”

Amisi clarified that the potential decline in voter turnout would stem not from Sifuna as an individual but from what he symbolizes to dissatisfied voters. “It is not about him as a person, it is an idea and he’s the one who is carrying it,” he added.

Opposition Risks Losing Support Over Candidate Selection

The PM leader warned that if the opposition selects a presidential candidate through closed-door negotiations rather than a transparent nomination process involving supporters, it could alienate factions loyal to different leaders. Such divisions, he suggested, might ultimately benefit President William Ruto.

He noted that excluding prominent figures like former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, or former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from the ticket could deepen internal rifts. “If Matiangi is not there, wacha ikae. Others will say, if Kalonzo is not there, wacha ikae,” Amisi explained.

Drawing lessons from the 2007 ODM presidential nomination, where multiple senior politicians competed openly before Raila Odinga emerged as the candidate, Amisi advocated for a similar competitive process in 2027. “We had Raila, we had William Ruto, we had Musalia, we had Najib Balala. They went to Kasarani and they selected Raila. It was not selected, Raila was not selected in a boardroom,” he recalled.

PM’s Plans and Invitation to Sifuna

Amisi confirmed that PM will field a presidential candidate in 2027 and has already invited Sifuna to participate in its vetting process. “Of course, PM is going to vet all of them. Including Sifuna. He will be invited. We have already invited him,” he said.

He also noted that while Sifuna could choose to run under a different party, PM remains committed to presenting its own candidate. “If he doesn’t want to be on the ballot, we will definitely have a presidential candidate,” Amisi added.

The party plans to evaluate political alliances and party formations after the October 30 deadline for new coalitions before finalising its candidate strategy. Amisi said PM might support Sifuna or back another candidate aligned with its agenda.

Support for Sifuna and Linda MwanaInchi Movement

Despite not attending some meetings of the Linda MwanaInchi movement, Amisi expressed continued support for Sifuna and the movement’s ideals. He cited concerns about individuals attempting to control the movement but affirmed, “The carrier of the idea is none other than Sifuna.”