By Duncan Waswa
A section of opposition leaders led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have launched a scathing attack on the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of leading the country into turmoil through divisive rhetoric and misuse of state power.
Speaking during a fundraiser for women’s groups in Kabuchai constituency organized by area MP Majimbo Kalasinga, Sifuna condemned President William Ruto over what he termed as “reckless” directives to the police to shoot protesters. He described such utterances, echoed by some of the President’s allies, as dangerous and a threat to democratic freedoms.
“We cannot have a president who orders police to shoot his own citizens. This is not leadership, this is tyranny. Kenyans have a right to protest,” Sifuna declared to loud cheers from the crowd.
The Nairobi Senator also challenged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to hold accountable any Member of Parliament threatening to disrupt the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that the IEBC bears the constitutional responsibility of ensuring fair and credible elections and should not allow political incitement to go unchecked.
“The IEBC must act. These threats to interfere with the 2027 elections must be met with legal consequences,” he added.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi also weighed in, accusing Kenya Kwanza leaders of consistently undermining leaders from the western region.
According to Amisi, Western Kenya has competent and visionary leaders who deserve national recognition and respect.
“We are tired of leaders who demean us. We have leaders with capacity and vision. We will not accept to be treated as second-class citizens in our own country,” said Amisi.
He further lamented that Western Kenya has lagged behind in development due to electing leaders without a clear vision for the community. He urged voters to reject underperforming leaders in favor of youthful and progressive individuals.
“Some leaders have overstayed with no results to show. It’s time they stepped aside and let visionary youth lead the way,” Amisi stated.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka echoed similar sentiments, blaming former Western region leaders for failing to develop a sustainable economic agenda.
He accused them of selling public factories that once provided employment for locals, which has led to rising youth unemployment and social vices.
“Our industries were our backbone, but they were sold for selfish gain. Reviving them is the only way to create jobs and curb crime and drug abuse among our youth,” said Wamboka.
On his part, host MP Majimbo Kalasinga criticized President Ruto for directing police to use live bullets against protesters.
Kalasinga described the statements as inflammatory and unbecoming of a head of state. He urged the President to apologize to Kenyans.
“The President must apologize to the people. We cannot normalize such dangerous talk from our highest office,” Kalasinga insisted.
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi lauded Kalasinga for organizing the women’s empowerment event, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to community development.
He reiterated his ambition to vie for Bungoma governorship in 2027, promising to prioritize women empowerment and youth development.
“When I become governor, my key agenda will be ensuring that women can support their families and that young people have access to opportunities to grow and succeed,” said Wanyonyi.
He stressed that job creation was critical to reducing youth crime and rising teenage pregnancies.
Meanwhile, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa reaffirmed his intention to contest the Bungoma gubernatorial seat in 2027, brushing off what he termed as attempts by his political enemies to derail his ambitions. He maintained that his political future lies in the hands of Bungoma residents.
“My journey cannot be stopped by envious people. I will continue standing with the people because I believe my victory lies in their hands,” Barasa stated.
The Kabuchai event brought together a unified opposition front from Western Kenya, emphasizing regional solidarity and a new political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The leaders vowed to continue holding the Kenya Kwanza administration accountable while pushing for development, economic revival, and protection of civil liberties in the country.
