Sifuna is driving at high speed, he will soon crash politically - Duale

In reference to Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, the health minister argued that it is premature for the first-time senator to seek a transition to the presidency.     

Speaking on Citizen TV’s Sunday Live, Duale said Sifuna’s political speed will soon lead to his downfall.

“Senator Sifuna is driving on Thika superhighway or the expressway at a high speed and is going to crash very soon, politically,” he told Jeff Koinange. 

Duale maintained that Sifuna does not have enough resources to run for the presidency.

“It is very unfortunate to say this, that Sifuna cannot call the MPs of Western in Serena, buy them lunch and give them allowances, I even don’t know whether he has the resources,” Duale said.

“Sifuna lost two times in Bungoma. He became a senator because of Baba and Luo votes and he will not get it this time,” he added. 

Duale referred to some political figures as tribalists, stating that Somali community had only 200,000 votes in Nairobi.

Duale’s sentiments are similar to those of Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru, who observed that Sifuna needed more time before running for president.

She questioned Sifuna’s ability to convince his allies to support him as well as his financial capacity to run a campaign.

“Presidency is not an easy thing. Let me give you one example that showed me Sifuna still needs time. When they were deciding on the party to run, his closest allies who hold his hands up, he couldn't convince them to abandon their parties for his,” Waiguru.

Sifuna earlier addressed the doubts, saying he was confident he would gain nationwide support.

“For now, I am receiving a lot of pressure from Kenyans to vie for the presidency. People are asking, ‘huyu Sifuna mnaita rais, how will it happen?’ they say I am young and have no money. But I know God’s guidance will lead me. I will be the first one-term senator to become president,” he said.