By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 21 July 2026 - Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna says he will not rush into declaring a presidential bid for the 2027 General Election, insisting he must first determine whether the Linda Mwananchi movement has support across the country.
Speaking during an interview with FM radio stations targeting Western Kenya audience, Sifuna said the movement's priority is to build a national presence before making decisions on who should fly its presidential ticket.
"We want to push our Linda Mwananchi movement until it becomes consequential such that when we say we will have a presidential candidate and a running mate, we indeed stand a chance of winning the election," Sifuna said.
The senator noted that the movement has so far held rallies in only 14 counties, saying it would be too early to judge its national strength before engaging the remaining regions.
"We have had rallies in only 14 counties. We have not gone to 33 counties and we must visit them as well. You need to be sure if the excitement is just in one corner of the country or it is everywhere," he said.
Sifuna said he intends to visit counties including Turkana, Mandera, Garissa and Tana River to assess whether the movement can attract the nationwide support needed to win a presidential election.
He pointed to the constitutional requirement that a presidential candidate must secure at least 25% of the votes in more than half of Kenya's counties.
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"When I am done with all the counties, I will answer you when you ask if I will contest for the presidency," Sifuna said.
His remarks come amid growing calls from supporters and some opposition leaders urging him to seek the country's top seat.
Earlier this month, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi movement had resolved to back Sifuna's potential candidature, while former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala proposed a nationwide fundraising campaign to support his bid.
Despite the growing endorsements, Sifuna maintained that public enthusiasm alone is not enough to launch a viable presidential campaign, signalling that his immediate focus remains building a movement with support in all 47 counties before making what would be the biggest political decision of his career.