Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has urged Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to resist being pigeonholed as a regional leader in Western Kenya, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a national political identity.
In an interview on the Upfront Podcast on July 26, 2027, Amisi highlighted that Sifuna enjoys broad support across Kenya but recent attempts have sought to label him a Luhya kingpin, a characterization he warned could undermine Sifuna's wider political ambitions.
Amisi’s caution against regional branding
- Amisi stated that there is no electoral position defined by ethnic or regional titles such as "Mulembe kingpin" and advised Sifuna to avoid such narrow labels.
- He referenced Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s unfulfilled presidential ambitions, attributing part of the challenge to Mudavadi’s focus on Mulembe regional politics rather than a national platform.
- Amisi urged Sifuna to approach visits to his home areas of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia as a national leader seeking support, rather than accepting traditional regalia or titles that emphasize ethnic leadership.
- He argued that Sifuna’s ethnic background is well known to his supporters and does not require constant emphasis.
- Amisi also cited Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who, after ignoring similar advice, limited his political reach by concentrating solely on Western Kenya.
Sifuna’s response to homecoming visits
Recently, Sifuna defended his visits to Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties, describing them as natural returns to his political roots. He emphasized that while he serves as Nairobi Senator and national leader, seeking support in his home region is a strategic step ahead of a broader nationwide campaign.
