Sifuna dares President Ruto to compare track records ahead of 2027 showdown

Linda Mwananchi presidential aspirant Edwin Sifuna has escalated his war of words with President William Ruto, accusing his administration of corruption, the killing of Gen Z protesters and failing to deliver on promises made to Kenyans.

Sifuna challenged the President to a comparison of their respective track records, dismissing Ruto’s accusations that he was an extortionist and accusing the Head of State of engaging in similar conduct.

Speaking at Sipala Primary School in Mihuu Ward, Webuye East Constituency, Bungoma County on Saturday, during a requiem mass for the daughter of area Member of County Assembly Violet Namaemba Makhanu, Sifuna also intensified his criticism of leaders who have questioned the opposition’s political organisation and agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Alisimama akasema mimi ni extortionist, I’m harassing Governors during Senate committee appearances. Sasa ata mimi nasema yeye ni extortionist. Kama ni track record, wacha tuchore lines mbili ya Sifuna vs Ruto,” Sifuna said.

The Nairobi Senator went bare-knuckled on Ruto, accusing him of being a land and money thief and a killer, while referring to the President’s past criminal case at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“Sasa tuko draw lakini sasa yeye ni mwizi wa mashamba, pesa, yeye ni muuaji alitumwa mpaka ICC kwa makosa ya ujinai, kunajisi kina mama na kuchoma watu kwa kanisa. Sasa kati yangu na wewe Ruto, wacha file yako ya track record na yangu itolewe tujue Wakenya wataenda na nani?” he said.

Sifuna’s remarks came amid growing political exchanges between the President and opposition figures over their respective records, with the Senator challenging Ruto to account for his administration’s performance.

The Equitable Party (TEP) leader also dismissed claims that the opposition lacked a clear political agenda, pointing out that the Linda Mwananchi movement was preparing to expand its reach across the country.

“Walikuwa wametudharau wakisema ati hatujui chenye tunafanya, ati hatuna chama, agenda na akili. I stand here as your party leader. Musalia thinks we are lazy like him but before elections, Linda Mwananchi itakuwa kwa kila nyumba Kenya hii,” he said.

Sifuna further declared that he was committed to uniting opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 polls, saying he would engage them to form a formidable political force against the President.

“Niko serious kwa hii kitu. Na ndio mjue niko serious, hakuna kiongozi yeyote kwa opposition sitaketi naye ndio tuunde kikosi kimoja hatari ndio saa mbili huyu mtu akue ameenda nyumbani,” he said.

The Senator also criticised the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership over its absence from the first anniversary memorial of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, questioning the commitment of leaders who had previously described themselves as his close allies.

“Juzi mliona tulikuwa kule kwa sababu ya kumuenzi Raila Odinga during his first anniversary. Iliniuma sana kwamba uongozi mzima wa ODM haukuja kumkumbuka Raila. Walikuwa wanasema wao ndio walikuwa marafiki wake wakubwa. Inawezekana aje wewe unajiita rafiki wa Raila, mwaka moja pekee huwezi kuja, na ikifika miaka kumi utawaona kweli?” he said.

Sifuna also accused Ruto of copying his political messaging, citing the President’s remarks following his unveiling of his The Equitable Party.

“Ruto anasema hatuna akili na kila siku anangoja Sifuna aseme kitu ama afanye kitu ndio afuate. Alisikia Sifuna nimepata chama inaitwa The Equitable Party, Chama cha Usawa, akaanza kuimba huku nje ati ‘Usawa ni sawa’. Anatuita hatuna akili lakini anacopy kila sisi tunafanya,” he said.

Sifuna and other leaders have questioned the government’s record on accountability and the protection of public assets, including Nzoia Sugar Company and Pan Paper Mills, arguing that the administration must account for its decisions to Kenyans.