Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has cautioned Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna against seeking to acquire an already established political party, insisting that genuine political movements are built from the ground up rather than purchased.
Amisi’s remarks come amid reports that Sifuna is preparing to formally launch a political party linked to the United Democratic Party (UDP), the outfit founded by the late politician Cyrus Jirongo.
Drawing from his own experience in party formation, Amisi said many politicians mistakenly believe parties can simply be acquired and rebranded. He noted that he only came to appreciate the process after becoming directly involved in building a political outfit.
“I just want to encourage people. I have been in the system of forming parties. Even I was so ignorant until I took part in the formation of a party,” he said on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Referring to the formation of his People’s Movement (PM) Party, Amisi said, “Kama singekuwa na hawa vijana wakiform hii chama ningekuwa mmoja wao wa wale wanangoja chama inatoka mbinguni” (If it were not for these young people helping to form this party, I would be one of those people waiting for a party to fall from the sky).
Can Sifuna buy an already established political party?
The legislator, who says he founded the Linda Mwananchi Movement, dismissed claims that political parties can be bought and sold in Kenya, arguing that such transactions are often used to mislead politicians looking for a quick route into electoral politics.
According to Amisi, there is no existing political party available for sale, despite efforts by some politicians to secure ready-made vehicles.
“Hakuna chama ingine na hakuna kitu ya kuuza chama hii Kenya. Natembeya has been trying to buy parties in the last three years; he has never managed,” he said.
The MP went on to challenge Sifuna to join the PM Party if he intends to pursue higher office, maintaining that buying a political outfit is impossible because a party is ultimately defined by its members rather than legal ownership documents.
“For now, the only party available is the PM Party. Buying a party is not possible; it is a con game. These people are going to be conned. Na shida zao wacha wakoniwe wataerevika 2032 but saa hii ni PM peke” (Let them be conned if they want; they will learn their lesson by 2032, but for now PM is the only party available), he said.
Amisi also used the opportunity to urge Sifuna and other politicians who emerged under ODM leader Raila Odinga to become more independent in their political thinking.
“I want Sifuna to wake up. I know most of us were raised by Raila Odinga. We don’t know how he established a party, but he is not there. Wake up and understand Baba is not with us; we’re on our own,” he said.
When will Sifuna unveil his party?
Meanwhile, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya appeared to suggest that Sifuna already has a political party in waiting and hinted that an official unveiling could take place soon.
“Sifuna ako na chama na kufikia tarehe 3 mwezi Oktoba tutazindua hiyo chama. Chama kipo and I’m talking confidently about that. Wacha mwenyewe akitangaze” (Sifuna has a party and by October 3 we will unveil it. The party exists and I am speaking confidently about it. Let him announce it himself), Natembeya said.
Natembeya’s remarks are likely to further fuel speculation that preparations for Sifuna’s political vehicle have already been completed, with only a formal public announcement remaining.
