Atwoli to Sifuna: Time is not ripe for your political ambitions

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has responded to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s comments regarding the feasibility of forming a national political party just 11 months before a general election. Mudavadi had directed his remarks at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, expressing skepticism about the time available to establish a robust political entity ahead of the 2027 polls.

In response, Kibwana drew upon Kenya’s political history to argue that the longevity of a party does not necessarily correlate with its capacity to win elections. He highlighted the success of parties like KANU and KADU, which were founded decades before their electoral victories, and cited the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), which was established in 2002 and subsequently won the 2002 general election.

Additionally, Kibwana referenced the Party of National Unity (PNU), formed in late 2007 and participating in the December 2007 elections. Kibwana’s examples suggest that political movements can achieve significant national influence within a relatively short timeframe. Mudavadi’s assertion has sparked discussion about the readiness and organizational capacity of parties aiming to contest the 2027 elections, particularly in light of the timeframe outlined by the Prime Cabinet Secretary.