Hassan Omar urges Sifuna to ditch opposition and support Ruto

Hassan Omar, Secretary-General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has advised Senator Edwin Sifuna to abandon his aspirations for the presidency and instead support President William Ruto's re-election bid in 2027. Omar made these comments during a function in Nairobi on Sunday, September 27, 2026, addressed to Sifuna. Omar cautioned that if Sifuna does not relinquish his presidential ambitions, he would be defeated by the Ruto-led government in the 2027 election.

The UDA's call comes after Sifuna received the endorsement of his Linda Mwananchi movement to run for president. This endorsement occurred following a significant retreat in Kiambu, where James Orengo, a potential rival with political ambitions, was notably absent. Sifuna, who has been actively campaigning across the country, has declared his intention to run for the State House and is set to launch the United Democratic Alliance on October 3, 2026, as his political vehicle for challenging President Ruto, whom he has vehemently promised to keep from a second term.

However, some Western Kenyan leaders allied with Ruto have dismissed Sifuna's presidential ambitions, describing his efforts as a fleeting "bushfire." Notably, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli have commented on Sifuna's ambitions. While Atwoli supports Ruto's re-election, he believes Sifuna's intentions are more suited for the future rather than the immediate 2027 contest.

Sifuna remains resolute in his presidential ambitions, declaring his intent to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 General Election and urging Kenyans and Linda Mwananchi movement supporters to rally behind his bid.