Mr. Sifuna – Speaking Truth to Power or Biting the Hand That Feeds Him?
So, is Sifuna a principled politician holding power accountable, or is he simply destabilizing his own party from within for personal gain?
Last Updated on July 26, 2025 by Turkana County News Online
The ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has once again stirred the political pot, leaving Kenyans divided on whether he’s a fearless voice of reason within the ruling coalition or a political rebel turning on his own allies.
Sifuna, who also serves as Nairobi Senator, recently launched a blistering critique of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s economic policies and accusing the government of “weaponizing taxes against the poor” and “engaging in state capture through legislative puppeteering.”
His comments appeared to directly contradict the ODM party’s current dalliance with President William Ruto’s administration.
His remarks did not sit well with some ODM stalwarts, who believe the Senator is undermining a delicate balance struck between former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Ruto in the wake of the broadbased framework.
One anonymous source within ODM claimed, “You cannot ride the tiger and insult it at the same time. Sifuna enjoys privileges of the handshake politics but speaks like he’s in the opposition trenches.”
But supporters hail Sifuna as a rare breed of politician unafraid to call out both friends and foes. On social media, the hashtag #SifunaTheTruthSpeaker trended for hours, with youth leaders and ordinary citizens praising his boldness.
Political analyst Dr. Muthoni Adera says Sifuna is walking a tightrope. “There’s a difference between constructive dissent and political sabotage. Sifuna is either trying to position himself for a post-Raila ODM or ignite a rebellion within.”
However, others argue that Sifuna’s approach is simply a reflection of the growing frustrations within ODM’s grassroots, who feel the party has lost its firebrand edge in the name of political accommodation.
In Kibra, one resident told us, “If Sifuna keeps quiet, who will speak for us? Life is hard. Food is expensive. Jobs are scarce. We need someone to say it – even if it means biting the hand that feeds.”
So, is Sifuna a principled politician holding power accountable, or is he simply destabilizing his own party from within for personal gain?
Only time will tell whether his candor will cement his legacy or cost him his political capital.
