Bukusu Council of Elders Kimilili Chapter Chairman Professor Bonventure Wanjala Kere has thrown his weight behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's reported 2027 presidential ambitions, arguing that the Luhya community should focus on the country's top seat instead of pursuing the deputy presidency.

Speaking during a telephone interview, Prof. Kere said the Luhya community's long-standing struggle to secure the Deputy President's position reflects deep political divisions and a lack of unity, despite being Kenya's second-largest ethnic bloc.

He argued that internal fragmentation has weakened the community's bargaining power in national politics, leaving it unable to negotiate effectively for the presidency.

According to Kere, growing grassroots support for Sifuna demonstrates that many Kenyans are looking for youthful and progressive leadership capable of addressing the country's economic and social challenges.

He claimed Sifuna has earned public confidence by consistently speaking on issues affecting ordinary citizens and holding the government accountable.

Drawing from Bukusu cultural traditions and the teachings of Dini ya Musambwa founder Elijah Masinde, Kere likened attempts to block Sifuna's presidential ambitions because of his age to denying a younger son the opportunity to undergo traditional rites of passage due to the fears of an elder sibling.

He said such actions are considered contrary to African traditions and amount to punishing courage while rewarding hesitation.

Kere further cited Elijah Masinde's widely referenced prophecy that leadership of the Luhya community would one day emerge through "Nam Lolwe" (Lake Victoria), arguing that Sifuna's political journey aligns with that vision because of his close association with veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.

He also praised Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya for reportedly shelving his own presidential ambitions in favour of supporting Sifuna, describing the move as an act of selflessness aimed at uniting the Mulembe nation behind a single presidential candidate.

Political commentator Prof. Felix Sialo said Natembeya's decision creates room for a younger generation of leaders to reshape Western Kenya politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He argued that collaboration between Natembeya, Sifuna and other Western Kenya opposition leaders could significantly alter the region's political landscape.

Bungoma Senate aspirant John Wanyama Mbururu echoed similar sentiments, saying veteran politicians should embrace generational leadership instead of frustrating emerging leaders for personal political interests.

He noted that the Luhya vote has historically been split among different political parties, making it difficult for the community to negotiate for the presidency and leaving it to settle for lower-ranking positions in government.

Veteran columnist George Kebaso described the recent political engagements between Sifuna and Natembeya as evidence of a political awakening in Western Kenya, saying they have challenged the influence of long-established regional political figures.

Meanwhile, Governor Natembeya has maintained that plans are underway to build a united political movement that will bring together Western Kenya leaders under one party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking recently, Natembeya said the region had resolved to unite politically and allow Sifuna to seek support across the country as part of efforts to mount a serious presidential challenge.

The remarks come as political realignments continue to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Western Kenya expected to remain one of the country's key battlegrounds.