Sifuna Accuses Ruto of Intimidation as Natembeya Challenges Withdrawal of Security
Linda Mwananchi leader Edwin Sifuna has renewed his confrontation with President William Ruto over the cost of living, public spending and the conduct of state security agencies, as opposition leaders sharpen their criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at the burial of former police officer Lazarus Opicho in Sirende, Kiminini Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, Sifuna accused the President of responding to political criticism with hostility instead of addressing concerns raised by the opposition. He was accompanied by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and other leaders, who used the gathering to question the government’s development priorities and treatment of its critics.
Sifuna argued that opposition scrutiny was a necessary part of democratic governance, particularly amid persistent public concerns about the cost of essential goods, the management of public resources and the effectiveness of government programmes. He urged Ruto to engage with those concerns rather than resort to personal attacks against leaders challenging his administration.
The governor’s dispute with the national government has also extended to development projects and control over county initiatives. He announced plans to lead peaceful demonstrations on Monday against what he described as the takeover of key county projects by the national government.
Among his concerns was the Masinde Muliro market, which he alleged was being taken over and allocated to foreign traders at the expense of local businesspeople. He said the situation was unacceptable and pledged to defend the interests of residents, framing the dispute as a question of economic opportunity and the rights of local traders.
Natembeya also challenged President Ruto’s proposed Sh1 billion referral hospital in the county, arguing that the project lacked sufficient public participation and that no land had been set aside for its construction. He dismissed the announcement as politically motivated, suggesting that development pledges made during the emerging campaign period should be assessed against practical preparations and the needs of local communities.
The confrontation has been compounded by the withdrawal of Natembeya’s security detail on Wednesday night, following Ruto’s visit to Trans Nzoia. The governor interpreted the decision as an attempt to punish him politically and restrict his ability to challenge the national administration.
