Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has renewed his criticism of President William Ruto, describing him as “the biggest problem in this country” and urging Kenyans to vote for a new administration in the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna made the remarks on Friday during the burial of Gloria Sekeiyan, the late wife of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, where he accused Ruto of failing to honour key promises made during the 2022 presidential campaign.
The senator, who previously served as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General, claimed Ruto’s campaign was built around slogans and promises that had not been fulfilled after he took office.
“William Ruto, ulijikuta kwa uongozi, uliingia State House ukiimba slogan. Huwezi kutuambia ‘hustler’ sio slogan… ‘bottom-up’ ilikuwa slogan,” Sifuna said.
Sifuna Accuses Ruto of Breaking Campaign Promises
Sifuna accused the President of making promises to boda boda operators, women and young people during the 2022 campaigns before allegedly changing direction after winning the election.
He cited promises that boda boda operators would be supported to transition into the taxi business.
“Ulidanganya wananchi, ulikuwa unaenda ukiambia watu wa boda boda ya kwamba ukiingia kwa serikali watatoka kwa boda boda waingie kwa taxi,” he said.
The senator also criticised Ruto’s campaign messaging targeting women, recalling the proposed Women’s Charter and promises of increased opportunities for women under his administration.
“Alisimama wakati mmoja akaita akina mama wa Kenya, ati anaandikisha kitu inaitwa Women’s Charter, kwa serikali yake akina mama watapewa nusu bin nusu. Alifika alifanya hiyo kazi? Uongo wazi.”
Hustler Fund Promise
Sifuna also took issue with the Hustler Fund, arguing that Ruto had initially presented the initiative as financial support for young entrepreneurs before it was implemented as a loan programme.
“William Ruto aliingia akisema atapea vijana wetu pesa ya biashara bure. Alipoingia, Hustler Fund ile alikuwa anasema itakuwa grant, akageuza ikakuwa loan,” Sifuna said.
He argued that the change represented another instance where the President had failed to deliver on what he described as key campaign commitments.
Sifuna Attacks SHA and UHC
The Nairobi senator further criticised the government’s Social Health Authority (SHA), linking it to Ruto’s broader promise of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Sifuna said Kenyans had been promised that increased contributions to the health system would eliminate the need for public fundraising to pay medical bills.
“Ruto, nataka ujue, si lazima udanganye wananchi ndio wakupende wakupatie kura. Niliona juzi usiku anasumbua akipigia watu masimu kusema ati vile SHA inafanya. William Ruto ulituambia ya kwamba sisi tukitozwa pesa zaidi ziende kwa SHA, mambo ya harambee ya kuchangia watu wetu kuenda hospitali itakoma, that was the promise of Universal Health Coverage,” said Sifuna.
Sifuna’s remarks come as political parties and leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the opposition seeking to consolidate its support against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The senator maintained that Ruto should be replaced at the next election, arguing that Kenyans should judge the administration on its record and the promises made during the 2022 campaign.
