If you can look past any drama emanating from the hugely successful and massive Linda Mwananchi rally on Sunday in Nairobi, here is a summary of what H.E. @edwinsifuna said through the three stops (Marikiti, Gikomba and Jacaranda).
1. His administration will improve the welfare, safety and wellbeing of traders in Marikiti and Gikomba, and end the saboteur culture of regular market fires aimed at illegally evicting businesses.
2. Kenya's problem is an income problem, not a housing one. If you create an environment of sustainable incomes, then the people will seek housing on their own, to fit their tastes and income levels.
3. His government will relieve burdened payslips by halting the Housing Levy, which is currently collected to run the opaque affordable housing program, whose real beneficiaries are unknown. He promised that when he takes power, most of the houses that have been constructed under the program will be handed over to policemen to address the humiliating living conditions of securit officers.
4. Thanked Nairobi residents for the honour of electing him to serve as their Senator in 2022, and promised to never let them down if he changes address and title in 2027. "Kama si nyinyi, hakuna mwenye angejua Sifuna!"
5. Reiterated that he will continue to fight land grabbers in Nairobi, noting that during his time as Senator, he had used the platform to reclaim stolen lands and restored title deeds, especially to public institutions, mentioning among others, Tom Mboya Social Hall, Martin Luther Primary School and Kimathi Primary School. He stated that he was still pursuing many other pending cases and would not waver.
6. He will uphold the rule of law as President, because all "shiny things" can only be enjoyed by the living, therefore an environment of freedom, justice and right to life, as espoused in the constitution, was paramount.
7. That he will soon unveil his new political vessel to help carry the ambitions and aspirations of the masses into the 2027 election and beyond. The crowd assured him that he wouldn't turn back and find them gone, in the middle of the journey.
8. The unity of the people and of all liberation leaders was key to victory in 2027. He vowed to consult with @skmusyoka, @rigathi and @RealMatiangi, among others, to craft a team that would "win by 8am" instead of a weaker formation that would "win, but at 2pm". He was categorical that this unity would remain unbreakable, regardless of any games played by regime fixers and enemies of progress across board.
9. He thanked police officers in Nairobi for upholding professionalism and dignity all through the day, from the All Saints Cathedral to Jacaranda Grounds, hailing the manner in which they had kept the peace, interacted freely with citizens and helped make the day a resounding success. He reminded security services that they remained integral partners in the journey towards a better nation, and that Linda Mwananchi would create an administration that would improve their welfare, training and living conditions.
10. Noted that since he became Senator in 2022, he had pushed for the growth of the equitable revenue share to counties, a dream that the late Rt Hom Raila Odinga had held close to his heart. Consequently, H.E. noted that the revenue share to Nairobi had grown tremendously from Kshs 20.1 billion in the 2023-24 financial year, to 22.1 billion in the 2026-27 financial year.
He stated unequivocally that this allocation and its continued growth must be reflected in service delivery to Nairobi residents by the county government, and the sitting Governor and his team must give way to a new, performing administration, following failure to improve services commensurate with the increasing allocation. He also reminded the residents that the current annual revenue allocation was still short of the Kshs 450 billion envisioned by Raila, and remittance delays continue to undermine devolution, a situation he will remedy after August 2027.
Things H.E. Sifuna has mastered that many leaders struggle with: self-centeredness, overestimation, unhealthy entitlement and competitive jealousy.
He has learned that leadership is not about proving you are better than everyone else. It is about serving, listening and lifting others.
That humility is rare. And perhaps that is why his acceptance keeps growing in every corner of this country.
A rare breed. ☝️
Mzee said ODM must and will produce a presidential candidate. Little did we know he was speaking about Sifuna back then 😅😅😅 He saw beyond what anybody could see.
Wadau, in addition to his super-distinctive Certificate of Good Conduct et al., there is something else that Sifuna has brought back. JOY.
The capacity to feel joy — perhaps even the permission to be joyful — and I am loving it!
Ama ni mimi peke yangu? ❤️
That was Baba. Show us what the Nyanza leaders are rallying now, without him. Y’all cant hang on to his coat even in death yawa! Hata Sifuna and Babu have been bold enough to chart their path.
As it has been well said by @CaroliOmondi here Linda Mwananchi's only presidential candidate is none other than H.E Edwin Watenya Sifuna!
I swear guys, hii si Fitina ni ukweli!
#NairobiNaSifuna
Sen. Edwin Sifuna: Huyu William Ruto hajatuelewa. Akona PHD lakini yeye ni mamba mslow. Lazima aambiwe pole pole ndiyo aelewe. The slums in Nairobi are not a housing problem, they are an income problem.
#K24Siasa