Wangamati, who is part of Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi political movement, was categorical in backing the senator's presidential ambitions, saying there was no question about who the movement's candidate was.
“Edwin W. Sifuna is the Linda Mwananchi Presidential flag bearer. There is no debate about that,” Wangamati said.
His remarks come at a politically sensitive moment for Linda Mwananchi after some leaders associated with the movement appeared to endorse Kalonzo Musyoka during a recent rally, triggering questions over whether the movement could eventually support the Wiper leader for the 2027 presidential election.
The controversy has since exposed differing views within the broader opposition camp over who should lead the presidential contest.
Wangamati backs Sifuna
Wangamati's declaration is significant because he has emerged as one of the political figures closely associated with Sifuna's grassroots mobilisation campaign.
The former Bungoma governor officially joined Linda Mwananchi in July, with the movement led by Sifuna continuing to expand its political network across the country.
Wangamati has previously urged other Western Kenya leaders to shelve their presidential ambitions and rally behind Sifuna, arguing that the Nairobi senator has the potential to lead the opposition into the 2027 General Election.
His latest statement therefore reinforces his consistent position that Sifuna should occupy the top position on the Linda Mwananchi presidential ticket.
Kalonzo endorsement claims
The debate over Kalonzo's role gained momentum after leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi held discussions with the Wiper leader, including a July meeting at Kalonzo's SKM Command Centre in Karen, Nairobi.
The meeting fuelled speculation over a possible political arrangement between Kalonzo and Sifuna's movement ahead of 2027.
However, recent remarks from Saboti MP Caleb Amisi have further complicated the debate. Amisi criticised leaders who used a Linda Mwananchi rally to endorse other politicians, arguing that the movement was not created to advance presidential ambitions other than Sifuna's.
Kalonzo himself has also said he would have no problem supporting Sifuna for president if opposition leaders agree to rally behind his candidature.
Sifuna's 2027 ambitions
The developments have placed Sifuna's presidential ambitions firmly at the centre of the opposition's 2027 political calculations.
The senator has been using Linda Mwananchi to build a grassroots political network, with the movement touring different parts of the country and seeking to establish itself as a national political force.
Sifuna has also called for younger leaders to be given an opportunity to lead Kenya, arguing that the country's traditional political leadership has failed to deliver the change many Kenyans expect.
With Kalonzo remaining a major opposition figure and Sifuna seeking to establish himself as a national contender, negotiations within the opposition are likely to remain a major feature of Kenya's political landscape ahead of 2027.
Wangamati: No debate over Sifuna
For Wangamati, however, the question of who should carry the Linda Mwananchi presidential ticket is already settled.
“Edwin W. Sifuna is the Linda Mwananchi Presidential flag bearer. There is no debate about that,” he said.
His declaration could further intensify the debate over the future of the Linda Mwananchi Movement and whether the emerging Sifuna-Kalonzo relationship will ultimately produce a presidential alliance or a contest over who should lead the opposition into the 2027 election.
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