Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has responded to criticism over his decision to skip President William Ruto’s recent development tour in the capital.
Speaking during the burial of retired Kenya Air Force pilot James Gitahi on Saturday, March 15, Sifuna made it clear that attending the president’s city visits was not part of his official responsibilities.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party Secretary General dismissed claims that he was required to be present at Ruto’s meetings, stating that no clause in the agreement between Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga obligated him to do so.
“I woke up to a headline claiming that I dodged the president’s tour in Nairobi. But let me be clear—nowhere in the agreement does it state that the ODM Secretary General must attend the president’s rallies,” Sifuna clarified.
He further pointed out what he saw as a double standard, saying, “I saw Raila Odinga attending a burial in Kiambu County, yet the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General was not present there. No one questioned that.”
Focus on Senate Duties, Not Ruto’s Events
Sifuna reiterated that his main priority was serving the people of Nairobi through his Senate role, not attending presidential events. He emphasized that his presence at Ruto’s meetings would not be a factor in his 2027 reelection bid.
“I heard Ruto say that everyone should do their work. My job is in the Senate, not in following the president around. I will not be judged by how many meetings I attended with him, but by the work I have done for the people of Nairobi,” he asserted.
He also stressed his oversight role in ensuring that President Ruto delivers on the promises made in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Raila Odinga.
“Since Raila signed the agreement, my job has become much easier. Now, I just sit with a marking scheme. If the police abduct anyone, then Ruto has already broken the deal,” he remarked.
Allegations of Political Rebellion
Sifuna’s remarks come amid speculation that he, along with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, was planning a political rebellion against Ruto’s agreement with Raila.
Reports suggested that their absence from Ruto’s Nairobi tour was linked to their dissatisfaction with Odinga’s decision to support Johnson Sakaja for reelection as Nairobi Governor.
Additionally, several allies of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, including Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, were also noticeably absent from the president’s visit.
Sifuna’s response puts to rest the growing speculation over his stance on Ruto’s Nairobi engagements, reaffirming that his focus remains on his Senate duties rather than political events.
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