Sifuna takes aim at Ruto, backs Linda Mwananchi alliance at Khalwale’s wife’s burial

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has stepped up his attacks on President William Ruto, accusing his administration of failing to honour key campaign promises and declaring that the opposition’s focus should be on building a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the burial of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale’s wife in Kakamega, Sifuna said the opposition alliance under the Linda Mwananchi banner would seek to restore what he described as democratic governance and accountability in Kenya.

Sifuna, who served as ODM secretary-general for nine years, also revisited the opposition protests of 2023, recalling an incident in which he said he was exposed to danger while accompanying opposition leaders during demonstrations in Nairobi. He said the experience reinforced his belief that political leaders must remain willing to confront the government over issues affecting Kenyans.

He accused President Ruto of making promises during the 2022 campaign that had not been fulfilled, citing commitments to boda boda operators, women and young people.

Sifuna particularly criticised the government’s approach to health financing, challenging the President to declare whether Kenyans had stopped relying on public fundraising, commonly known as harambees, to pay hospital bills.

He cited continued fundraising for patients and medical expenses as evidence, in his view, that the government’s promise of universal health coverage had not been fully realised.

“Not everyone has to be lied to for them to love you or vote for you,” Sifuna said, arguing that Kenyans had already recognised what he characterised as broken promises by the government.

The ODM official also accused the administration of undermining democratic freedoms and called for greater adherence to the rule of law. He said the opposition would seek to create an environment in which Kenyans could express themselves and participate in politics without government interference.

Sifuna further linked good governance to investor confidence, arguing that investors would be reluctant to commit capital in an environment where property rights and the independence of institutions were perceived to be uncertain.

He said the opposition’s proposed political programme would be anchored on the Constitution, which he described as the foundation for governing the country.

“The manifesto of Linda Mwananchi is the Constitution of Kenya,” Sifuna said, adding that the coalition’s task would be to ensure that the Constitution was implemented.

The remarks also turned to the emerging political realignments in Western Kenya.

Sifuna dismissed concerns over the formal registration or branding of the Linda Mwananchi movement, saying voters were more interested in credible leaders than the names of political parties.

He said political leaders could change parties or create new ones, but argued that voters ultimately followed leaders they trusted.

Addressing former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya's political camp and other Western Kenya leaders, Sifuna said support for his political ambitions could not be imposed. Instead, he said, he would seek to persuade leaders to work together.

He specifically appealed for dialogue with leaders in the region, saying political cooperation should be based on persuasion rather than coercion.

Sifuna also sought to reassure his supporters that he was not intimidated by the political manoeuvring surrounding the opposition coalition.

He said the backing of leaders such as Senator Boni Khalwale would be important in securing broader support in Western Kenya and urged his supporters to remain united behind the emerging political formation.

His appearance at the burial, however, was as much about the evolving 2027 political contest as it was about mourning. With political alliances beginning to take shape, Sifuna used the gathering to position Linda Mwananchi as an alternative political vehicle and to portray the opposition as preparing for a wider national campaign against President Ruto in 2027.

Sifuna takes aim at Ruto, backs Linda Mwananchi alliance at Khalwale’s wife’s burial

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