Sifuna on Ruto radar as team raids Western in twin rallies
President William Ruto has publicly addressed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for the first time, signaling that he views the senator as a serious political challenger for the 2027 elections. This follows polling data showing Sifuna's rising popularity within the opposition.
Why it matters
The President's direct engagement with an opposition figure highlights a significant shift in political strategy and the emergence of a new primary challenger.
President William Ruto at State House President William Ruto appears to have taken note of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as a possible challenger in the 2027 polls.
This comes as the popularity of the former ODM secretary general soars.
On Thursday, Ruto for the first time directly responded to Sifuna, rubbishing his policy views on his affordable housing programme.
Ruto's response came just a day before a Trends and Insights For Africa (Tifa) poll showed that Sifuna was now the strongest opposition candidate.
Sifuna polled 15 per cent, nine per centage point behind the President.
On Thursday, Ruto hit back at Sifuna over comments the senator made about the government's Affordable Housing Programme.
Analyst say the direct response is a recognition that Sifuna had become a consequential player whose criticism could no longer be ignored.
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