Boni Khalwale Eyes Kakamega Governor Seat on Sifuna’s Party
Khalwale, who currently serves in the Senate on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, made the announcement on Friday, October 2, as political parties and emerging movements continue to organise ahead of the 2027 elections.
Khalwale said Sifuna would have the freedom to decide whether to use UPM or another political party.
“I want it to be clear that Edwin Sifuna’s hands are free to announce any party. If he announces that he will run on the UPM ticket, these founder members and the interim NEC have resolved that they will welcome him with both hands so that he flies the presidential flag of Linda Mwananchi on UPM.”
He said the arrangement would change if Sifuna selected another party for his presidential campaign.
“They have also resolved that, should he announce a party other than UPM, they will then shelve the UPM certificate and wholeheartedly support Sifuna and donate me to run in his party as the Governor of Kakamega in 2027.”
Khalwale links governor bid to Sifuna
Linda Mwananchi formally named Sifuna as its leader and presidential candidate after a principals’ retreat held on September 26. The movement also said Sifuna would unveil the party he intends to use in early October.
The movement has also indicated that it intends to work with like-minded political parties through a coalition arrangement.
Sifuna’s choice of political vehicle has therefore become an important issue for leaders associated with the movement, including Khalwale.
Recent reports indicate that Linda Mwananchi leaders considered several political parties before giving Sifuna the final say on which party would serve as his vehicle.
UPM receives registration certificate
The party had previously been associated with Khalwale’s plans for the Kakamega governor race.
The Registrar of Political Parties said the certificate had been processed earlier but remained pending collection by authorised founding members.
During the handover, the registrar’s office reminded the party about its legal obligations ahead of the 2027 General Election, including membership management, governance, conflict resolution and financial declarations.
The development gives UPM a formal political platform at a time when several emerging formations are positioning themselves for the next election.
Sifuna prepares for 2027 contest
Sifuna’s political plans have gained greater clarity following his endorsement by Linda Mwananchi.
The movement’s September 26 meeting brought together several of its prominent figures, including Khalwale, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
The movement said its leaders had agreed to work together and pursue a coalition with parties that share its political objectives.
Sifuna is expected to announce his political party as the 2027 election preparations intensify.
For Khalwale, the decision could determine whether he proceeds with UPM or follows Sifuna into another political party for his planned Kakamega governor campaign.
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Boni Khalwale Eyes Kakamega Governor Seat on Sifuna’s Party
