A few weeks ago, I wrote about Edwin Sifuna’s presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election. In that piece, I argued that his rapid rise in national politics could prove to be either a blessing or a curse, but more likely the latter if not carefully managed.
I also questioned his confrontational style of politics and suggested that he should invest more in building bridges, cultivating a presidential image, and demonstrating statesmanship.
Today, however, I wish to cast the net wider.
Before proceeding, allow me to make one thing clear: this is not an endorsement of any individual or political formation. Rather, it is an attempt to reflect on the kind of leadership Kenya desperately needs at this critical moment in our history.
Like many Kenyans, I often ask myself a simple question: who has the capacity and temerity to turn this country’s fortunes around? Who can decisively tackle runaway corruption, revive manufacturing, reform education and healthcare, lower the cost of energy, manage public debt responsibly, strengthen infrastructure, and restore public confidence in justice and the rule of law?
President Ruto MUST GO, yes, then who comes in? Armed with which qualifications?
Among the names frequently mentioned are Kalonzo Musyoka, Edwin Sifuna, Fred Matiang’i, Rigathi Gachagua and former Chief Justice David Maraga.
Each has served Kenya in positions of leadership, power and influence. The question, however, is not who has held office, but who has demonstrated the ability to govern effectively, selflessly, unite the country and deliver lasting solutions.
Who among them can build institutions that work so well that teachers and healthcare workers are no longer remembered only when they are on the streets?
Who can create an economy that gives young people opportunities instead of promises? Who can economically tether the youth away from being misused by the very leaders who should be mentoring them?
Probably David Maraga is one of the few leaders who combines integrity, independence of mind and compassion.
Throughout his public service, he cultivated the image of a principled leader who was willing to make difficult decisions regardless of political pressure. He is probably the only political leader that Kenyans can believe not to be corrupt.
Kenya needs leaders who can lead with both the mind and the heart.
If I were to imagine a formidable presidential ticket today away from Ruto, I would pair Maraga with Edwin Sifuna as Deputy President. Such a combination would blend experience, integrity, youthful energy and effective communication.
Under Maraga’s stewardship, Sifuna could gain invaluable executive experience while preparing himself for greater national responsibility in the future.
Whether Kenyans would actually elect Maraga is another matter altogether.
Our politics often rewards aggression over restraint, populism over policy, and spectacle over substance. We sometimes appear to celebrate politicians who can command noisy rallies more than those who quietly build institutions. Campaign slogans and political theatrics frequently receive more attention than detailed policy proposals.
For Maraga, therefore, the challenge is not integrity; it is politics. He would need to demonstrate that principled leadership can also inspire a broad political movement capable of winning a national election. Moral authority alone may not be enough in Kenya’s competitive political landscape.
As for Sifuna, he has his own homework to do.
As the Senator for Nairobi City County, Kenyans expect him to speak more consistently and forcefully on the governance challenges facing the capital.
Nairobi continues to struggle with issues ranging from poor service delivery and infrastructure to waste management and urban planning. While national politics attracts headlines, effective oversight of county government is equally important. This is where he is supposed to show leadership.
Incessantly calling on John Mbadi and Opiyo wandai to resign from Ruto’s government, even if granted, will cure nothing ailing Kenya. If Mbadi resigns today, they will surely replace him with a worse Mbadi. It could be a sign that Omwami still doesn’t quite know where Kenya’s problems lie and the job awaiting the very next president.
Sifuna should also reconsider the politics of distributing money at funerals, fundraisers and political rallies. Although such gestures are deeply rooted in Kenya’s political culture, they do little to solve the structural problems facing ordinary citizens.
What wananchi need are quality hospitals, reliable roads, clean water, affordable electricity, good schools and decent jobs—not occasional displays of generosity and grandiose.
If Sifuna is serious about becoming President one day, he should begin positioning himself as a leader of ideas rather than political symbolism. Every public appearance should reinforce his vision for Kenya.
Perhaps next year will be decisive for him. In the next one week, Sifuna should have unvailed his political vehicle for 2027 that he will either use for his presidential bid or to bargain with other parties. Otherwise, anchoring his future entirely on the fortunes of ODM will definitely limit his political options.
Kenya does not merely need another politician. It needs a leader who understands that public office is about building institutions, strengthening the economy and improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
Whoever offers that vision convincingly will deserve serious consideration—not because of tribal arithmetic or political theatrics, but because they have demonstrated the capacity to govern.
The writer is a lecturer of communication and media at Maseno University
