A new political lobby group, Mumias Sisi Ndio Sifuna Diehards, is taking its support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna beyond social media and into the villages of Mumias and its surrounding areas.

The group held its inaugural meeting on Sunday at ACK Guest House in Mumias, bringing together supporters who said they are determined to turn their belief in Sifuna into an organised and active grassroots movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

For the members, the meeting was more than just another political gathering. It was an opportunity to put their ideas on the table, agree on a common direction and begin laying the groundwork for a movement that they hope will have a presence in every corner of the community.

At the centre of their discussions was the need to take politics closer to ordinary citizens.

Members observed that political support cannot be built through social media posts and political rallies alone. They said there was a need to engage directly with people in villages, listen to their concerns and encourage eligible citizens to participate in the electoral process.

One of the group’s immediate priorities will be voter sensitisation and registration, particularly among eligible citizens who have not obtained National Identity Cards or registered as voters.

The members said they intend to use their networks and available transport to reach different villages and create awareness about the importance of registration and participation in elections.

An aspirant from Mayoni, Cleophas Okome, has also offered a vehicle to support the group’s voter sensitisation activities whenever required.

Taking the message to the digital space

While the group is keen on grassroots mobilisation, it is equally determined to strengthen its presence online.

Members identified blogging, social media and mainstream media as important platforms for sharing information about Sifuna and responding to what they consider misleading narratives about him.

The group plans to develop a stronger digital presence, with members encouraged to communicate responsibly and focus on issues rather than personal attacks.

They said their aim is to create a positive and informed conversation around Sifuna while ensuring that supporters remain disciplined in their communication.

Unity and discipline at the centre

The meeting also brought the group’s internal organisation into focus.

Although the current office bearers are serving on an interim basis, members endorsed them to continue guiding the organisation as it takes shape.

The decision, members said, was intended to provide stability and avoid unnecessary divisions at a time when the group is still building its structures.

Security was also discussed, with Nicholas Wabuyabo tasked with coordinating security arrangements during meetings and other organised activities whenever necessary.

Building from the grassroots

The group intends to hold more frequent meetings and increase direct interaction with residents.

Members believe that sustained engagement with ordinary citizens will be crucial in taking the Sifuna message beyond urban centres and online platforms.

They also agreed to introduce branded merchandise and attire to give the group a distinct identity and create a sense of belonging among its supporters.

Members are expected to attend the next meeting in branded attire as part of the group’s efforts to build a more visible and organised movement.

A welfare kitty for members

The meeting also agreed to establish a welfare and activities kitty to support the group’s programmes.

Members will make regular contributions, with the funds expected to support legitimate group activities, meetings, outreach programmes and welfare needs.

The members pledged to manage the kitty openly and ensure that contributions are used only for purposes agreed upon by the group.

As the meeting came to an end, the mood among members remained upbeat, with supporters reaffirming their commitment to Edwin Sifuna and the political journey ahead.

For the Mumias Sisi Ndio Sifuna Diehards, however, the real work now begins.

The challenge is to turn enthusiasm into organisation, political conversations into community engagement and online support into a sustained grassroots presence.

And for the group, that journey starts where politics often matters most — at the grassroots, one village, one conversation and one voter at a time.