Sifuna Takes Linda Mwananchi Campaign To Machakos, Launches Fresh Criticism Of Government
Politics Updated: 01 June 2026 00:24 EAT
Edwin Sifuna led ODM faction Linda Mwananchi at Mlolongo town Machakos County
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on Sunday led the Linda Mwananchi movement to Machakos County, where the group attended a church service at AIC Chaanda before holding political engagements in the region. The delegation was led by Siaya Governor James Orengo and included Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau and several ODM and Wiper leaders.
Speaking at the church, Sifuna thanked Reverend Mutinda and the congregation for hosting the delegation. He said the movement had arrived in Machakos with a mission of engaging wananchi and strengthening cooperation among opposition leaders from different regions.
“We have come to Machakos today by the grace of God while I remain the Secretary-General of ODM, Senator for Nairobi and Deputy Minority Leader in the Senate. We thank the church leadership led by Reverend Mutinda for welcoming us. The Linda Mwananchi team understands its responsibility and we are committed to serving Kenyans. We are here not only to worship but also to continue engaging citizens on matters affecting their daily lives and the future of this country.”
The senator also presented a donation to the church, saying the contribution came from legitimate and honest sources. He contrasted the donation with wealth acquired through corruption and insisted that the movement’s resources were clean and suitable for supporting the work of God.
“These resources from Linda Mwananchi are different. We have not left any widow crying because we took her property. We have not shed blood to acquire this wealth. What we are giving is clean and honest, and we want it to support the work of God. We are proud that our contribution comes from lawful means and can be used to strengthen the church and serve the community without bringing harm to anyone.”
Sifuna went on to recognize several ODM officials and allied leaders from different counties, including Narok, Nyandarua, Siaya, Kitui and Meru. He praised party officials for expanding ODM’s presence across the country and reaffirmed his confidence in the party’s grassroots support.
He also welcomed Wiper leaders present at the event, including Robert Mbui and Patrick Makau, while conveying apologies from Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu, who was reportedly attending another engagement. The senator said opposition parties should continue working together to build a stronger political movement.
Turning to national politics, Sifuna launched a sharp attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of presiding over what he described as a “leadership of tears” and failing to address the economic difficulties facing ordinary Kenyans.
“As leaders of the opposition, we know our duty is to keep the government in check, but these people are making our work difficult because every day there seems to be a new way to burden Kenyans. We wake up discussing fires, Ebola concerns, taxes and the high cost of living. Kenyans are crying every single day. If there is anyone who represents a leadership of tears, then it is this government. We believe Kenya deserves leaders with clean hearts who care about the suffering of ordinary citizens.”
The senator linked recent school fire tragedies to inadequate investment in education infrastructure. While supporting access to education, he argued that overcrowding and poor facilities had exposed learners to unnecessary risks.
“We support education and we support children going to school, but we must ask difficult questions about infrastructure. If a dormitory meant for one hundred students ends up holding two hundred, then we are creating dangerous conditions. Parents are mourning and asking why safety measures were not enforced. The government has a responsibility to protect children, and when that responsibility is neglected, citizens have every right to demand accountability.”
Sifuna further criticized government spending, arguing that excessive expenditure should be reduced to create room for tax relief and improved public services. He backed proposals by opposition leaders to cut what they consider unnecessary state spending.
“We cannot continue with a situation where ordinary Kenyans are struggling while billions are spent on luxuries. We want to reduce government expenditure, remove unnecessary taxes and ensure resources are directed to the people. Workers are paying heavy taxes every month and deserve quality services in return. Government revenue belongs to the people, not to a few individuals who use public resources without considering the hardships facing citizens.”
The ODM Secretary-General also questioned the effectiveness of recent healthcare reforms, saying many Kenyans were still being forced to organize fundraisers to cover medical expenses despite increased contributions to the health system.
“We were told that increasing contributions would improve healthcare access for everyone. Yet every day we continue to see families conducting fundraisers to pay hospital bills. Kenyans are contributing more but still facing challenges when seeking treatment. The promise was that healthcare would become more accessible and affordable, but many citizens feel that the reality on the ground does not match what they were promised.”
On governance and civil liberties, Sifuna said a future Linda Mwananchi administration would prioritize restoring the rule of law, reducing taxes and ending what he described as politically motivated abductions and intimidation.
“We want to restore the rule of law in this country. Kenya must be governed through laws and institutions, not fear. Citizens should not have to worry about intimidation because of their opinions. We believe in freedom, accountability and democratic rights. The moment leaders respect the law and respect citizens, many of the tensions currently being witnessed across the country will begin to disappear.”
The senator also sought to reassure supporters that he would remain loyal to the opposition cause despite speculation that some leaders could be persuaded to join the government.
“I know many citizens have become cautious because they have seen politicians change positions after making strong promises. That is why I want to say clearly that there is no price for Edwin Sifuna. You will be bought before I am bought. I will remain faithful to the cause we started together. The trust that young people and ordinary Kenyans have placed in us is something I do not take lightly, and I intend to honor that trust.”
Sifuna concluded by calling for unity between ODM, Wiper and other opposition forces. He praised the long-standing relationship between Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka and rejected attempts to divide Kenyans along ethnic lines.
“Kalonzo Musyoka and the people of Ukambani have been true friends of Raila Odinga and that friendship remains strong. We have not forgotten our history together. No one should divide Kenyans through tribal politics. Communities have not wronged me; individuals make choices and should be judged as individuals. We want a united team that can work together for Kenya. If we remain united, we can make political change easier and give Kenyans the leadership they deserve.”
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FELIX MAKONA
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