Kericho Senator and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has taken a swipe at the opposition over the growing possibility of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna emerging as its presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.
Cheruiyot expressed confidence in President William Ruto’s re-election prospects, arguing that an opposition ticket led by Sifuna, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as its chief campaigner, would not pose a significant challenge to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
In a pointed statement, the senator suggested that Ruto would not even need to personally lead the campaign if the opposition settled on the proposed combination.
“If this clueless opposition settles on Edwin Sifuna as the presidential candidate and Rigathi as lead campaigner, we will respectfully ask President William Samoei Ruto to focus on the serious work of transforming the Republic and allow Kimani Ichung’wah to lead us in the little task ahead,” Cheruiyot said.
He further described the hypothetical contest as an easy assignment, adding: “Hio ni game ya kucheza with eyes closed.”
His remarks come as Sifuna’s political profile continues to grow through engagements organised under the Linda Mwananchi movement. The Nairobi senator has been touring different parts of the country, attracting support from several political figures, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
His allies have also announced plans to establish a political party that could provide a platform for his presidential ambitions.
Meanwhile, Gachagua has indicated that he would be open to deputising Sifuna, although he has maintained that he is also a serious presidential contender. The former deputy president has repeatedly called for opposition parties to agree on a single candidate to avoid splitting their votes.
Opinion polls have also featured prominently in the political exchanges. An Infotrak survey placed Ruto at 32 per cent, followed by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka at 13 per cent and Sifuna at 12 per cent. A separate TIFA survey put Ruto at 24 per cent and Sifuna at 15 per cent.
Government allies have similarly dismissed Sifuna as a major threat to Ruto’s re-election campaign.
With the 2027 election approaching, Cheruiyot’s comments reflect the growing political exchanges between UDA leaders and figures associated with the emerging opposition movement. The eventual presidential line-up and the ability of opposition leaders to agree on a common candidate remain key questions in the unfolding contest.