“Sikuheshimu na Sikuogopi,” Sifuna to William Ruto in Meru

Linda Mwananchi presidential aspirant Edwin Sifuna has intensified his criticism of President William Ruto, telling residents in Meru that the country needs a new political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sifuna was speaking during the Linda Mwananchi tour in Meru, where he was accompanied by a group of politicians and leaders, including Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

Sifuna opened his address by thanking Ms Mwangaza for welcoming the delegation to Meru and praised her for what he described as standing with residents and the truth.

He also revisited the political battles that followed her election as Meru governor, arguing that the treatment she received illustrated the difficulties women face in Kenyan politics.

“Dhuluma ambayo inaelekezewa kina mama kama Kawira inazuia hata kina mama wengine kujaribu kuingia ndani ya siasa,” he said.

Sifuna argued that the treatment of women leaders could discourage other women from seeking elective office.

He then turned his attention to President Ruto, accusing his administration of failing to fulfil promises made during the 2022 election campaign.

He cited promises made to boda boda riders and small traders, recalling the president's campaign message that boda boda operators would eventually become taxi owners while small traders would grow into supermarket owners.

“Uongo wa wazi,” he said.

Sifuna said he would rather tell Kenyans what he believes to be the truth than make promises simply to win political office.

“Nitawaambia ukweli Ruto ajue unaweza kupendwa hata ukisema ukweli,” he said.

‘The five-year plan has failed’

The Linda Mwananchi presidential aspirant also criticised President Ruto's reported long-term plans for the country, questioning why Kenyans should accept another plan when the current administration was elected with a five-year mandate.

Sifuna said Kenyans should have an opportunity to develop a different vision for the country's future.

He promised that the political movement he represents would seek to develop laws and institutions based on constitutional values.

“Tutakupanga na kangeta, tukupange na kachui ngam pia njugu kama unataka,” he told the crowd, using a colourful phrase to emphasise his determination to make the message understood.

He said Kenyans wanted to live freely and criticised what he portrayed as excessive use of force against citizens.

Sifuna then accused the Ruto administration of misleading Kenyans during the election campaign.

“Mheshimiwa Ruto ulitudanganya kwa sababu manifesto yako yote ilikuwa ya uongo,” he said.

From ‘Hustler’ to ‘One Term’

Sifuna sought to turn President Ruto's campaign rhetoric against him, recalling the “Hustler” message that helped propel him to State House.

He told the crowd that political slogans were no longer enough.

“Ruto, Ruto, usituambie mambo ya slogan. Iliisha bwana,” he said.

He argued that Kenyans should judge the administration by its record rather than campaign slogans.

Sifuna also sought to project the Linda Mwananchi campaign as a national movement.

He said the group had travelled to different parts of Kenya and claimed that support for Ruto's political camp should not be assumed in Meru because of regional alliances.

He urged residents to join the movement and said he would continue working alongside former governor Kawira Mwangaza.

“Tutembee na mama Kawira, mtatuunga mkono,” he told the crowd.

A presidential campaign takes shape

The Meru appearance offered a glimpse of Sifuna's emerging campaign as a Linda Mwananchi presidential aspirant, rather than simply another opposition rally.

His message combined criticism of the Ruto administration with appeals around constitutionalism, democracy, economic hardship and the treatment of women in politics.

The presence of politicians from Western Kenya, Nyanza, Nairobi and the Rift Valley was also intended to underline the national character of the campaign.

The rally ended on a lighter note, with supporters presenting Sifuna with items including a gas cylinder and cooking utensils associated with the Linda Mwananchi campaign. He joked with the crowd before thanking them.

For Sifuna, the challenge now is to turn the energy of rallies such as the Meru event into a national political coalition capable of competing for the presidency in 2027.

His message in Meru was uncompromising: the campaign slogans of 2022 have run their course, he argued, and Kenyans should now decide who they want to lead them into the next chapter.