Senator Sifuna Attends Funeral with Ex-DP Gachagua, Sparks Political Speculation
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna joined former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other political figures at the funeral service of Alice Wangari Gakuya, the mother of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, in Kigumo, Murang’a County, on Saturday, January 3.
The service, held at Makomboki Primary School grounds, brought together political leaders across party lines, highlighting the delicate alliances shaping Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sifuna, who also serves as ODM Secretary-General, was received at the event by his Senate colleagues, John Methu (Nyandarua) and Joe Nyutu (Murang’a). Observers noted that this marked the first occasion Sifuna shared a public platform with members of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), including Gachagua, the party’s leader.
During the service, Sifuna and Gachagua were seen exchanging cordial greetings, a moment that comes weeks after Gachagua reportedly courted Sifuna into the United Opposition, against a backdrop of internal factionalism within ODM.
Sifuna, alongside Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other party members, is aligned with a faction opposing any collaboration between ODM and President William Ruto, asserting that the party will not support arrangements that could endorse Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
In recent public statements, Gachagua extended an invitation to Sifuna and Babu to consider joining DCP, framing it as a strategic platform for their political ambitions. Speaking in a press briefing last month, the former deputy president warned that ODM’s internal dynamics were increasingly favoring President Ruto, potentially marginalising leaders who resist alignment with him.
“William Ruto has said, once he buys ODM, he doesn’t want Sifuna there,” Gachagua said.
He directly addressed Sifuna, stating:
“Edwin Sifuna, I want to tell you, my brother, you are a good leader. If you are chased from ODM, you are welcome in DCP. Sifuna is a good senator in Nairobi, and I have no problem with DCP supporting Sifuna to be the Senator of Nairobi.”
Gachagua also advised both Sifuna and Babu to explore joining DCP or even the Wiper Party, suggesting that such moves could preserve their political influence amid ODM’s shifting alliances.
Political analysts say the encounter could fuel speculation about potential realignments ahead of Kenya’s next election, signalling how funeral events are increasingly doubling as subtle platforms for political networking.
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Senator Sifuna Attends Funeral with Ex-DP Gachagua, Sparks Political Speculation