Kenyan Senator Vows to Crush Sugar Cartels, Eyes Presidency

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is intensifying his presidential campaign for 2027, targeting Western Kenya with promises to dismantle sugar cartels and revive the region's struggling sugar industry. Leading the Linda Mwananchi movement, Sifuna has embarked on a three-day tour of Kakamega County, addressing rallies and criticizing the Kenya Kwanza administration for reneging on promises to sugarcane farmers.

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I want to tell President Ruto that when we form the government next year, we are going to chase you with your cartels importing sugar.

During his tour, which included stops in Mumias, Shianda, and Navakholo, Sifuna vowed to pursue corrupt individuals and sugar cartels, even if it meant confronting President William Ruto. "I want to tell President Ruto that when we form the government next year, we are going to chase you with your cartels importing sugar," Sifuna declared, emphasizing that a Linda Mwananchi government would not tolerate corruption.

He specifically pointed to the decline of Mumias Sugar Company, once a regional economic powerhouse, blaming corruption and sugar imports for undermining the mill and farmers' livelihoods. "The Mumias area and Western region were respectable regions, but because Ruto and his cartels have decided to give their proxies licenses to import sugar, they have made our people lack employment," he stated.

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The Mumias area and Western region were respectable regions, but because Ruto and his cartels have decided to give their proxies licenses to import sugar, they have made our people lack employment.

Beyond the sugar industry, Sifuna outlined plans to overhaul healthcare and education. He criticized the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the current university funding model, promising to abolish the SHA and ensure needy students can access higher education. Sifuna also pledged to protect public forests, including Kakamega and Karura, from encroachment.

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Our hospitals have no drugs, and people are not getting health services as required because of his dubious health insurance, the Social Health Authority.

Appealing to the Luhya community for support, Sifuna urged senior leaders like Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to back his 2027 presidential bid, suggesting a reciprocal arrangement for the 2032 elections. He expressed confidence in his ability to lead, citing his wisdom to discern right from wrong, and stated his preference for funding his campaign through ordinary Kenyans rather than wealthy individuals or cartels.

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I want to appeal to those fellow leaders eyeing the presidency in 2032 to support my 2027 presidential bid so that I can support them in 2032.