NAIROBI, Kenya — Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has cautioned Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna against making an immediate push for the presidency, saying the young politician needs more time to build the political machinery required for a national campaign.
Speaking on Saturday, September 5, 2026, Atwoli acknowledged Sifuna’s growing profile in national politics but said he was not yet ready to make a serious presidential bid.
“Even if the time is not ripe for the young man, or even if the time is not now, I would say to you that the time is not now for Sifuna,” Atwoli said.
The veteran trade unionist said political leaders should be candid with Sifuna rather than encouraging him to move too quickly.
“We must be specific, sincere and honest, and tell him his time is not now,” Atwoli said.
He argued that Sifuna must first put together a strong political team capable of supporting a nationwide campaign.
“Ukitaka kujua time yake sio sasa. Hauwezi kuanza kwenda round kabla hujaprepare ile timu unatembea nayo,” Atwoli said, meaning that Sifuna cannot begin travelling around the country before preparing the team that will accompany him.
Atwoli said the uncertainty among some politicians associated with Sifuna’s emerging political movement was evidence that the campaign machinery was not yet sufficiently organised.
“You can see how unprepared they are. You are confusing us,” he said.
Despite the criticism, Atwoli stopped short of dismissing Sifuna’s political prospects, saying the Nairobi senator could have a future at the national level.
“But we are recognising his introductions, he is trying to introduce himself. He is going to be there after us, but the time is not now,” Atwoli said.
Sifuna’s growing national profile
Atwoli’s comments come as Sifuna’s political profile continues to rise ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna, who has emerged as a leading figure within the Linda Mwananchi movement, has left open the possibility of seeking the presidency if Kenyans collectively decide that he should run. In July, he said the movement was considering fielding a presidential candidate but stressed that the decision would not be made by one person.
The senator has since stepped up his political mobilisation across the country, with Linda Mwananchi holding activities in different regions.
Recent political reporting has increasingly portrayed Sifuna as a potential presidential contender, although he has continued to avoid presenting the bid as a settled personal decision.
The political positioning has also intensified following his fallout with the Orange Democratic Movement, where he previously served as secretary-general.
Atwoli and Sifuna’s differences
Saturday’s remarks are the latest chapter in an increasingly public disagreement between Atwoli and Sifuna.
In April, Sifuna criticised Atwoli and ODM leader Oburu Oginga while praising Siaya Governor James Orengo for what he described as mentorship of younger politicians.
Sifuna contrasted leaders who “direct and nurture” younger politicians with what he described as elders who close the door on them.
He specifically named Atwoli and Oburu, saying their approach was to prevent young politicians from advancing.
The disagreement intensified in July when Atwoli offered to help raise KSh1 billion for Sifuna’s political campaign.
Sifuna rejected the offer, saying he would rather build his political campaign through contributions from millions of ordinary Kenyans than depend on a large contribution from one individual.
Atwoli has also previously criticised Sifuna’s political ambitions, including questioning whether he could mount a successful presidential campaign through the support of individual political financiers. In July, he claimed former President Uhuru Kenyatta was backing Sifuna to divide the Western Kenya vote, an allegation Sifuna has dismissed.
Atwoli urges unity in ODM camp
Despite his criticism of Sifuna, Atwoli urged politicians in the wider ODM camp to avoid turning their differences into personal political battles.
“Don’t make your brothers and sisters in the ODM to appear as if they are your enemies. Because all of you are in the same house,” he said.
He called for what he described as “friendly politics” among politicians seeking different elective positions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Also Read: Atwoli accuses Uhuru of using Sifuna to divide Western Kenya
“You can do friendly politics,” Atwoli said.
His remarks come as Kenya’s opposition landscape continues to shift, with politicians positioning themselves for the 2027 contest and new alliances emerging following changes within ODM.
For Sifuna, Atwoli’s warning presents another challenge to a political journey that has rapidly expanded from parliamentary politics and party leadership into nationwide mobilisation.
Whether Sifuna’s political moment has arrived—or whether, as Atwoli argues, he needs more time to build the organisation behind his ambitions—is likely to remain part of the debate as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
