Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has dismissed criticism over his experience and suitability to run for president in the 2027 General Election, arguing that leaders who claim to have extensive experience have failed to address Kenya’s challenges.
Speaking during a church service at the ACK Cathedral in Mumias Town on Sunday, Sifuna challenged the view that younger politicians lack the experience needed to lead the country.
He argued that younger leaders were more attuned to the challenges facing ordinary Kenyans and questioned what level of experience was required to identify and tackle problems affecting key sectors of the economy.
“They are saying we are youthful leaders with no experience,” Sifuna said.
He used the sugar industry and imports to illustrate his argument, questioning decisions that he said had contributed to the challenges facing local sugar mills.
“I just want to ask politely, what experience do you need to know you cannot kill all sugar mills to give your friends permits to import sugar?” he questioned.
Sifuna explained that the Linda Mwananchi movement was not seeking confrontation with other political formations, but wanted to present Kenyans with an alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We come in peace; we have no fights with anyone.”
The Nairobi Senator also challenged Kenyans to consider younger leaders, arguing that those who had described themselves as experts and experienced politicians had contributed to the country’s current difficulties.
“Those calling themselves experts and with experience are the ones who have put us in this hole, why can’t Kenyans give the young a chance to see if they can change the country?” Sifuna posed.
His remarks come as speculation continues over his political ambitions and his position within the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has been conducting grassroots mobilisation across the country ahead of the 2027 polls.
Sifuna was accompanied at the Mumias church service by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Vihiga Senator Godffrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyoka and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.
Kabuchai MP Joseph Kalasinga and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati were also part of the delegation.
The leaders are using the Linda Mwananchi platform to strengthen their political network in Western Kenya, a region expected to be an important battleground in the 2027 presidential contest.
Following the church service, the team embarked on a series of political engagements across Kakamega County.
The programme included an engagement in Mumias West Constituency before the caravan moved to Navakholo Market at noon.
The leaders were scheduled to proceed to Malava Constituency at 2 pm before heading to Lugari Constituency at 4 pm, with the tour expected to culminate in Lumakanda.
The Kakamega tour forms part of an intensified grassroots mobilisation campaign by Linda Mwananchi as the movement seeks to expand its political influence and consolidate support ahead of the August 2027 General Election.
The movement has increasingly presented itself as a people-centred political platform, with its leaders holding rallies, church engagements and meetings with communities in different parts of the country.
Sifuna’s remarks in Mumias add to the growing debate over the role of younger leaders in Kenya’s next political contest and whether political experience should remain a key consideration for voters as parties and movements position themselves for 2027.