Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was denied entry into Angola despite receiving an official invitation from the country’s main opposition party, UNITA.
In a statement on March 13, Sifuna revealed that Angolan authorities barred him from entering the country upon arrival, even though UNITA leadership had assured him that his visit was welcomed.
He was not the only leader facing such restrictions—Ugandan opposition politician Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, was also denied entry.
Sifuna took to social media to express his frustration, stating, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola, but the government has refused to let us in!” He also shared an official letter from UNITA as proof of the invitation.
According to the document, UNITA’s Office of the President had formally requested border visas for both Sifuna and Bobi Wine, confirming that they were expected to land at Luanda’s Fevereiro International Airport on Thursday.
The letter further stated that UNITA would take full responsibility for their stay in Angola.
Despite the invitation, Angolan authorities did not provide any official reason for blocking the two leaders from entering the country.
The lack of an explanation has raised concerns about diplomatic relations and political tensions, especially since both Sifuna and Bobi Wine are prominent opposition figures in their respective countries.
This development comes amid a complex political landscape in Angola, where the ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the opposition UNITA have had a long history of rivalry. Although tensions have eased in recent years, the last general elections saw MPLA narrowly defeating UNITA, which remains the country’s main opposition party.
Back in Kenya, Sifuna has been facing political turbulence within his own party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). As the party’s Secretary-General, he has recently been accused of disloyalty by some party members. Nairobi County ODM Chairman George Aladwa even claimed that Sifuna was aligning himself with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, suggesting that the senator’s position in ODM could be at risk.
However, Sifuna’s strong ties with ODM leader Raila Odinga were evident on March 7 when he co-presented Raila’s Memorandum of Understanding with President William Ruto.
This move reaffirmed his active role in the country’s political affairs, despite the internal party wrangles he faces.
It remains to be seen whether Sifuna and Bobi Wine will take any further diplomatic steps to challenge their denied entry into Angola.
Join Gen z and millennials TaskForce official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time the ongoing situation https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
