'Some of us are built different': Sifuna defends modest Bungoma village home

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has defended his modest village home amid criticism from political rivals, saying his lifestyle reflects his values rather than his financial ability, and insisting he has deliberately avoided using public office for personal enrichment.

Speaking on Citizen TV's The Explainer show on Tuesday night, Sifuna dismissed claims that his house was too modest for the Senator of Nairobi, arguing that leadership should not be measured by the size of one's home.

"I saw some people saying that I have a very small house that I should have a bigger house because I'm the Senator of Nairobi. They've called me the poorest Senator from Nairobi," Sifuna said.

The remarks come days after Sifuna's Bungoma home became a subject of public debate during the Linda Mwananchi movement's rally in Bungoma County this past weekend, where some leaders questioned why the Senator had not built a more luxurious residence despite holding senior public offices.

Among those who publicly criticised him were National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, with the latter also sharing images of his own residence while mocking Sifuna's home on social media.

While acknowledging that public office presents opportunities for illicit enrichment, Sifuna maintained that he had consciously chosen a different path.

"If I wanted personal enrichment, I could actually do it," he said.

To illustrate his point, the Senator recounted an alleged attempt to irregularly acquire Nairobi's Tom Mboya Social Hall, claiming he was approached by individuals seeking his support for the deal.

"I will tell you the story of how Tom Mboya Social Hall was about to be grabbed one time, and they come and tell you, 'Oh, Sifuna, kuna kiwanja tunataka kupiga hapa.' And it's good money, it's not bad money, and I tell them, 'Ah-ah-ah, those things me I'm not doing,'" he said.

Instead, Sifuna said he escalated the matter to the Senate and summoned Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to explain how the public facility had ended up in private hands.

"I take the question of Tom Mboya Social Hall to the Senate and I call the CS for Lands, Alice Wahome, there. To her credit, she comes and cancels that title that was given to the private developer who took over Tom Mboya Social Hall," he said.

The Senator attributed differing attitudes towards wealth to people's upbringing.

"So, it depends on everyone's disposition, we're raised differently; some of us where we come from, if you steal someone's chicken, it's a big problem. But then there are people who are actually regarded as heroes if they come and raid your kraal and take all your cows," he said.

Sifuna further revealed that the house attracting public attention was built more than a decade ago and is only occupied briefly each year.

"Kenyans must know that I'm very proud of that house. I built that house in 2015, and on average I spend a maximum of two weeks out of a year in that house when I take my daughter home for Christmas," he said.

He said he has never been attracted to opulence, insisting it is possible for politicians to live modestly despite holding powerful offices.

"Some of us are built different, we're not attracted to flashy things and grandiosity. I see some people saying 'because you're so and so, you should have this and this.' It is possible to be modest," said the lawmaker.

Sifuna also cited the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga's residences as examples of leaders who have chosen simplicity over extravagance.

"Is Raila's home in Opoda a grand structure? It's just a house in the village. Even his house in Karen is a very modest house by the current standards. I've seen people building monstrosities there, it just depends on who you are and what things you fancy," he said.

He argued that the sustained focus on his home reflected a lack of substantive issues for his critics to exploit politically.

"The fact that it is that house that people are discussing, it means wametafuta story imewashinda. Our challenge is to remain focused on making sure that we succeed in the next election," said Sifuna.

The debate over Sifuna's home has unfolded against the backdrop of his growing prominence within the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has been holding political rallies across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Recent appearances in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma have further elevated his profile as supporters increasingly push him to seek higher office.