Wamalwa offers DAP-K leadership and presidential ticket to Sifuna

Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has said he would be willing to shelve his 2027 presidential ambitions and support Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna if the senator chose to join his party.

Wamalwa made the remarks during a radio interview, offering Sifuna an alternative political platform as opposition leaders continue discussions over the parties and coalitions that could shape the 2027 General Election.

Wamalwa said he would also be prepared to support Sifuna’s bid for the DAP-K presidential ticket if the senator decided to pursue the option.

“If he comes to the DAP-K, I can shelve my ambition and ask party leadership for Sifuna. Why not? As we speak, I am the presidential candidate, cleared, for DAP-K. Why not? If he comes and asks if I could support him to be the DAP-K presidential candidate, I’ll say why not?” Wamalwa said.

He described DAP-K as a nationally structured party capable of providing a platform for a presidential candidate.

Wamalwa opens door for Sifuna

Wamalwa’s latest remarks follow an earlier invitation for Sifuna to join DAP-K amid difficulties surrounding efforts by leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement to establish or register a political party.

Wamalwa had previously said Sifuna was welcome to join DAP-K if he felt frustrated by the challenges facing the movement’s efforts to secure a political vehicle.

The offer has since gone further, with Wamalwa now indicating that he would be willing to step aside from his own presidential ambitions if Sifuna sought the DAP-K ticket.

Sifuna’s search for a political vehicle

Sifuna’s political future has become a subject of increasing discussion following his departure from ODM and his association with Linda Mwananchi.

The senator and other leaders linked to the movement have been working to establish a political vehicle ahead of the 2027 elections, but the process has faced disputes over party registration and names.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has said the movement already has an alternative party vehicle and would announce the platform Sifuna would use within weeks.

DAP-K is now among the options publicly mentioned by opposition leaders.

UDP also remains an option

The debate over Sifuna’s political vehicle has also involved the United Democratic Party (UDP).

Recent plans to rebrand UDP as the Ukombozi People’s Party encountered an obstacle after the proposed name was challenged, with the Registrar of Political Parties saying the name resembled another reserved political identity.

Wamalwa has subsequently said UDP remains available to Sifuna despite the failed name change.

“The UDP will be used, but not Ukombozi,” Wamalwa said in a later interview.

He also reiterated that DAP-K could provide another option for the Nairobi senator.

“Apart from UDP, even DAP-K is also available for Sifuna,” Wamalwa said.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has likewise said Sifuna would use UDP as his political vehicle, although discussions around the final arrangement remain ongoing.

Wider opposition negotiations

The competing proposals come as opposition leaders continue negotiating possible alliances and presidential arrangements ahead of the 2027 polls.

A separate plan associated with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s camp has reportedly considered a presidential ticket featuring Kalonzo and Sifuna, with allied leaders expected to discuss the proposal at a political retreat.

The various proposals illustrate the fluid nature of opposition politics, with several parties and political groupings discussing potential candidates and political vehicles.