Barasa made the remarks as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna continues to gain political prominence within the opposition, with supporters of the Linda Mwananchi movement increasingly calling on him to contest the presidency in 2027.
The calls have grown louder following the movement's recent political tour of Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties, where Sifuna headlined a series of rallies alongside Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other opposition leaders.
Thousands of supporters turned out for the rallies, including a packed gathering at Moi's Bridge in Trans Nzoia County before the leaders proceeded to Bungoma County. During the meetings, opposition leaders criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration over the cost of living, governance, youth unemployment and alleged corruption, while urging Kenyans to rally behind the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The rallies also saw sections of supporters chant "Sifuna for President", with some leaders publicly expressing confidence that the Nairobi Senator has the credentials to lead the country. Although Sifuna has not declared interest in the presidency, the growing endorsements have intensified speculation that he could emerge as a key opposition figure ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Barasa Compares His Political Journey With Sifuna's
Against that backdrop, Barasa reflected on his own political journey, saying he and Sifuna entered elective politics around the same period and both encountered fierce resistance from influential politicians within their communities.
"Edwin Sifuna and I entered politics at the same time. The top kingpins in our community fought us viciously, claiming we were too young and too raw to lead," Barasa said.
The outspoken UDA legislator said both leaders eventually found mentors who believed in their potential and gave them opportunities to grow politically.
According to Barasa, the late ODM leader Raila Odinga nurtured Sifuna's rise within the Orange Democratic Movement, culminating in his election as the party's Secretary-General. Barasa said President Ruto similarly guided and mentored him throughout his political career.
"Sifuna found solace in Raila Odinga and Jakom mentored him as SG of ODM. I found mine in William Ruto, who held my hand and mentored me to where I stand today," he stated.
'I Will Never Abandon William Ruto'
Barasa argued that political loyalty should be rooted in trust, gratitude and mentorship, saying leaders should not abandon those who helped shape their political careers.
He maintained that had Raila Odinga still been alive, Sifuna would have remained firmly behind him.
"Had Raila been alive, Sifuna would still be standing sacrosanctly behind him."
Drawing a parallel with his own political path, the Kimilili MP insisted that he would remain loyal to President Ruto regardless of changing political alliances or criticism from rivals.
"For the same reason, I will never abandon William Ruto, and I will continue drumming up support for his second term even when I will be the last man standing," Barasa declared.
Western Kenya Emerging as a Key Political Battleground
Barasa's remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with both the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition stepping up campaigns across Western Kenya.
The Linda Mwananchi movement has recently held well-attended rallies in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties as it seeks to expand its support base in a region considered politically significant in the race to State House. The growing crowds at the rallies and the increasing calls for Sifuna to seek the presidency have added a new dimension to the country's evolving political landscape.
While President Ruto's allies have maintained that the Head of State deserves a second term based on his administration's development agenda, opposition leaders continue to campaign on governance, accountability and economic issues as they position themselves for the next General Election.
Senator Sifuna had not publicly responded to Barasa's remarks by the time of publication.
Comments
No approved comments yet.