Gachagua deputy Malala endorses Sifuna for president in 2027 as Nairobi senator seeks Oparanya backing

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has scheduled a significant political event to officially endorse Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for December 26, 2026, in Kakamega. During a rally on Saturday, August 8, 2026, Osotsi declared this gathering to be the "real" meeting to crown Sifuna. He linked this event to a prior announcement by COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, stating, "Mzee Atwoli said you will hold your meeting on December 26. That is the day we will hold Sifuna's meeting."

The enthusiastic crowd responded when Osotsi asked, "Wangapi wanasema ndio? Wangapi wanasema ndio?" Supporters shouted, "Ndio!" Osotsi urged ODM supporters in the region to leave the party, accusing it of mistreating and disrespecting the Luhya community. He said, "Because this party is very divided. This party has caused so much harm. And we Luhya people cannot allow that to happen again."

Osotsi directly addressed former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, praising his performance as governor but warning against remaining affiliated with ODM. He said, "Our former governor Oparanya, we love you. You did a good job in Kakamega. But, but we cannot continue with the issues of ODM again." The comments are expected to fuel further political discussions within ODM and across Western Kenya, where leaders have increasingly diverged on the party's future path.