Senator Edwin Sifuna has taken a swipe at key figures in President William Ruto’s camp, claiming they could derail his chances of securing a second term. During a recent interview, Sifuna named several leaders, including Tiaty MP William Kamket, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, and veteran trade unionist COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli, as potential liabilities to Ruto’s political future. Sifuna addressed Kamket’s recent remarks, which he dismissed as out-of-touch and reminiscent of a bygone era when leaders ruled through fear and intimidation. He argued that the Kenyan electorate today is more aware of its constitutional rights and less susceptible to coercion.
“Kamket should be told it will not happen; this is not 1980. This is not the generation that they used to sell fear to. The Kenyan of today is a Kenyan who understands the constitution; their, right. They know for a fact that you cannot impose yourself on Kenyans,” Sifuna remarked. The ODM secretary general also pointed out the growing frustration among Kenyans, particularly young people, over unfulfilled promises and the rising cost of living. According to Sifuna, Ruto’s administration is losing the trust of the electorate due to its failure to deliver on its pledges. “How did we get here? Because after the president was elected in 2022, by all accounts, William Ruto was one of the most popular politicians in the country. What did he do in the intervening period to lead to a place where he’s being insulted left, right and centre. Instead of addressing those questions; the cause, they are addressing the symptoms,” Sifuna said.
How will Ruto become one-term president He further criticized some of Ruto’s close allies, describing them as court jesters who have failed to offer sound advice, thus exacerbating the president’s woes. “So, unfortunately for him, he is surrounded by people who are who have decided that they have to tear him down.They’re going to take him down. If there’s anybody to be blamed for the one-time presidency of Ruto, it will be Kamket, Oscar Sudi and the likes who are surrounding him there, giving him bad advice, including my Uncle Atwoli,” Sifuna quipped. READ ALSO Kithure Kindiki finally surfaces amid fallout claims, insists all is well The Nairobi senator urged Kenyans not to be intimidated by leaders’ chest-thumping and encouraged them to speak out against governance failures. “Respect is earned, it’s not something you force. You cannot force people to respect you. Respect is earned from how you conduct yourself, how you relate with people, and how you demonstrate respect for the people as required under Chapter 6 of the Constitution,” he added.
by Didacus Malowa
