Presidential Aspirant Patrick Osoi Questions Sifuna’s Political Momentum

Presidential aspirant Patrick Osoi has questioned the political momentum surrounding Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, challenging Kenyans to look beyond emotional appeals when choosing leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Osoi made the remarks on Saturday, October 9, while addressing supporters at a Lions Movement event.

The aspirant, who describes himself as a former Kenya Defence Forces soldier, National Youth Service engineer and National Intelligence Service officer, argued that Kenya needs leaders with military and intelligence experience rather than conventional politicians.

He said his entry into politics was driven by what he described as a need to rescue the country, urging Kenyans to support leaders who had previously served in uniform.

“It is not normal for people in the uniform to come into politics. But when the duty calls, we have to come in to rescue this mission. It is not time to play politics. It is time to rescue this nation,” Osoi said.

He added that Kenyans seeking change should consider leaders with experience serving in uniform, saying they had previously risked their lives for the country.

Osoi Questions the Source of Sifuna’s Political Support

Osoi directly questioned whether Sifuna would enjoy the same level of public enthusiasm if he had not been removed as ODM secretary general.

“With a lot of respect to my brother Edwin Sifuna—if he were not kicked as SG for ODM, would we still have the same energy?” Osoi asked.

He suggested that Sifuna’s growing public prominence could be linked to his fallout with ODM leadership rather than a broader political conviction among his supporters.

Osoi also drew parallels with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, questioning whether the enthusiasm surrounding his political comeback would be as strong if he had not been impeached.

“With a lot of respect to the ex-excellency Gachagua when he was impeached—my question still links: if he was still in the government, would we still be having the same energy?” he said.

The aspirant urged Kenyans to assess leaders based on their decisions and ability to deliver rather than allowing sympathy to determine their political choices.

“Time has come for us not just to vote or to look and to follow a leader emotionally. We must follow leaders because of what they decide and what you decide to deliver,” he said.

Osoi Praises Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré

Osoi also cited Burkina Faso’s president, Ibrahim Traoré, as an example of the kind of leadership he would like to see in Kenya.

Traoré, a military officer who became head of state following a coup, has attracted attention among some African political movements for his nationalist rhetoric and approach to governance.

“Everything that this young man is doing in Burkina Faso is exactly what we want to do in this country,” Osoi said.

He further acknowledged his participation in the 2024 Gen Z-led protests, but argued that the movement lacked direction.

Osoi apologised on behalf of young leaders for what he described as their failure to channel public anger into a structured push for change.

Sifuna Rules Out Resigning from Senate

Meanwhile, Sifuna has maintained that he will remain in the Senate while preparing to contest the 2027 presidential election on The Equitable Party ticket.

The senator has said he intends to leave ODM closer to the General Election, dismissing calls for him to resign from his current position.

Sifuna has argued that lawmakers who leave their parties should not be expected to vacate their seats months before the next election, saying such a move could trigger costly by-elections at public expense.

He has also cited President William Ruto’s political history to challenge the calls for his resignation.