Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has asked supporters of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to be more tolerant of other opposition leaders, The Star reported. His appeal came after Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was heckled at the launch of the Linda Mwananchi Movement headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi.
Natembeya told the crowd that Kalonzo had left the event upset. He said the opposition was in a delicate position and its leaders needed to keep talking to one another. He urged supporters to let leaders from across the country speak without being shouted down. That way, he said, people could see they had come freely to support Sifuna. "To those who were shouting, I am asking you, please be tolerant," he said.
The trouble started when Kalonzo objected to Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa naming Sifuna as the opposition's presidential candidate. Kalonzo said the opposition's political formations had not yet finished their consultations. Sections of the audience then repeatedly chanted Sifuna's name while Kalonzo spoke. Sifuna stepped in and asked his supporters to let the Wiper leader finish his remarks.
Kalonzo said the choice of a joint opposition candidate must follow established procedures. He said talks on the matter would take place on November 13. He added that he would back Sifuna if the senator became the opposition's candidate. He also named former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa as another leader he would be willing to support.
Despite the interruptions, Kalonzo said the opposition needed to enter the 2027 contest as a united front, with room for consultation and compromise. Natembeya agreed. He said talks would continue until the opposition settled on its preferred candidate, "because we have agreed that Kenya needs only one candidate."
The Star also cited an unnamed city lawyer who said the heckling could hurt Sifuna's presidential ambitions. According to the lawyer, Sifuna needs support from across the country.