Cheruiyot under fire over ‘Tandika Katiba’ jibe at Sifuna

NAIROBI, Kenya — Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has faced criticism following his social media jibe towards Edwin Sifuna, leader of the Linda Mwananchi Movement, in which Cheruiyot suggested spreading the Constitution so one could drive over it. The comment, "Tandika katiba upitie juu," was made in response to Sifuna's post that highlighted poor road conditions along the route from Kinango to Kwale town.

The UDA lawmaker's response has sparked debate over his apparent mockery of Kenya's supreme law, with many users criticizing the remark. Critics questioned why a senior elected official would make light of the Constitution, which provides the framework for governance and public accountability.

Some on social media, like Chris Sambu, expressed disbelief at the remark, asking why an elected leader would belittle the Kenyan Constitution. Others saw the exchange as criticism of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the wider political establishment, turning the social media exchange into a broader critique of politics in Kenya.

The comment has also brought renewed attention to the poor condition of the Kinango–Kwale road, a topic Sifuna had highlighted during his travels in the coastal county. Cheruiyot's post did not directly address the road conditions, which Sifuna had raised during his engagements in the region.

Sifuna's Kwale tour was part of Linda Mwananchi's nationwide mobilisation drive, following the unveiling of the movement's proposed leadership team in Nairobi. The movement aims to establish grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 General Election, with plans to hold its National Delegates Convention (NDC) on November 13. The movement targets the establishment of offices in all 47 counties by the end of November, already having county chairpersons from 38 counties, many of whom were previously affiliated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).