Sifuna accuses Ruto of scaring away investors over Tata Chemicals directive

Speaking in Bumula, Bungoma County, during a funeral service, Sifuna and members of the Linda Mwananchi movement condemned what they described as state interference with private investors, warning that the trend could hurt the economy if left unchecked.

The directive to close Tata Chemicals Magadi after more than 100 years of operation in Kenya continues to elicit sharp reactions, with the opposition movement accusing President Ruto of targeting investors who contribute to the country's economy.

"Tunataka turudishe utawala wa sheria. Amesimama juzi akasema wale wawekezaji wa kampuni ya Magadi wafunge virago mara moja waende. Mimi nataka vijana wajue serikali nzima haiwezi kuchukua zaidi ya wafanyakazi zaidi ya milioni moja, haiwezekani," Sifuna stated. 

"Nafasi za kazi ni chache, tunategemea wawekezaji wa hapa ndani na nje waweke miradi yao hapa ndio waandike vijana wetu kazi."

Some residents also raised concerns over their livelihoods following the directive, while the government maintains that Tata Chemicals failed to honour its obligations under the long-standing arrangement.

Sifuna warned that the decision could damage Kenya's reputation as an investment destination at a time when the economy is already facing challenges.

"Hakuna mwekezaji ambaye anaweza kuleta mradi wake kwa nchi ambayo anaweza kuamka siku moja na rais amwambie pack and go. Haiwezekani. Ndio maana mkiangalia wale mmesoma sheria, hata hii miradi ikiletwa hapa wanasema kukitokea mzozo kati ya serikali na huyo mwekezaji tunapeleka kesi Singapore ama kesi ya arbitration kule London kwa sababu hawaamini hapa Kenya kwamba kuna utawala wa sheria," he stated.

The opposition leaders also demanded answers over allegations of a rogue police unit operating outside the command of the National Police Service and allegedly targeting government critics.

Sifuna said the government must protect journalists and uphold democratic freedoms.

"Baadhi ya vitu ambavyo demokrasia inadai ni kwamba kuwe na sheria ambayo inalinda waandishi wa habari," he stated.

Bumula MP Jacob Wamboka also criticised the government, questioning its handling of recent political violence and accusing the administration of targeting opposition leaders.

"Wewe umeshindwa kazi. Juzi karibu tuuawe Homa Bay, Murkomen anasema mlijua wamepanga. Mlienda kufanya nini? Kama tulijua wamepanga tulienda kufanya nini? Ruto anajua Sifuna atamshinda 2027, ana campaign kufanya nini?" Wamboka stated.

Elsewhere in Machakos and Kisumu counties, opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Babu Owino raised concerns over the preparedness of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ahead of the 2027 General Election, as well as the threat of political goonism.

Speaking during separate engagements, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka called for transparency in the reconstitution and operations of the electoral commission.

"The reconstitution of the IEBC must be transparent, consultative and beyond the manipulation of any one interest. I have actually challenged them, Mr Ethekon and his fellow commissioners. They have a duty to prove they're not a William Ruto commission, they're a Kenyan commission," Musyoka stated.

Babu questioned what he described as increasing targeting of opposition politicians and supporters.

"Tumekukosea nini sisi ambao tunapiga tu siasa yetu? Ni makosa gani tumefanya ili ukuje utuvamie? Tukitembea hii nchi tunawindwa kama wanyama," Owino stated.

Meanwhile, in the United States, Democratic Congress Party leader Rigathi Gachagua began his engagement with the Kenyan diaspora in Spokane, Washington State, where he is expected to hold a series of engagements over the next week.