Ruto to Sifuna: Freedom and democracy are meaningless without development

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen mocked Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over an incident where Sifuna was barred from speaking at a funeral in Trans Nzoia County. During a tour with President Ruto, Murkomen stated that Sifuna was told he could not address the mourners because funerals are not suitable places for political speeches.

"Sifuna alienda kwa mazishi, akaambiwa hawezi kuongea kwa sababu hapa si mahali pa kupiga kelele," Murkomen said. He also joked that Sifuna waited until late afternoon to speak, saying "Alingoja hadi saa kumi ndipo akaongea na waombolezaji." Murkomen claimed Sifuna later went to a bar before meeting Ruto for his political rally.

The CS questioned Sifuna's ability to mobilize supporters and organize rallies as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election. Sifuna's ability to challenge President Ruto politically was put into doubt by Murkomen. The incident adds to the political tension as leaders prepare for the upcoming election, with the National Police Service condemning clashes involving rival political supporters in Kitale.