Sifuna tells Ruto the younger generation will not be intimidated, accusing the president of disrespecting Kenyans and putting his own interests first.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has launched a fierce attack on President William Ruto, warning him that Kenya’s younger generation will not be intimidated by the presidency.
Speaking in a strongly worded address, Sifuna said the current generation is different from previous generations and will not remain silent when leaders disrespect them.
“Mheshimiwa William Ruto, hatukuogopi. We are a different generation. We are not our fathers. We will mess you up,” Sifuna said.
The outspoken senator went further, distancing himself from remarks previously made by Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who has said he respects President Ruto but does not fear him.
Sifuna said he neither respects nor fears Ruto, arguing that respect must be earned and cannot be forced.
“Respect is a two-way highway. Utaheshimu watoto wadogo ndio maana wakuheshimu na wewe. Heshima huwezi kulazimisha,” he said.
Sifuna Accuses Ruto of Becoming a Symbol of Shame
Sifuna also took aim at the presidency itself, arguing that the office should represent national unity.
He claimed that while the Constitution envisions the Office of the President as a symbol of national unity, he believes Ruto has instead become a source of embarrassment for Kenyans.
“William Ruto is a symbol of our universal embarrassment as a people, our collective shame as a people,” Sifuna said.
He went on to declare that, in his view, Ruto should not occupy the presidency.
“People like William Ruto should not occupy the office of the president,” he added.
‘Ukitutukana Tutakutukana’
Sifuna then delivered his strongest warning, telling Ruto that Kenyans would respond in kind if he continued to insult or disrespect them.
“Ukitutukana tutakutukana, ukitudharau tutakudharau,” he said.
The senator added that he would not accept a situation where Kenyans are expected to respect the president while feeling disrespected by his actions and words.
Sifuna also accused Ruto of using his position for personal benefit, making a reference to the controversial cost of police uniforms.
“Tunaomba William Ruto ajue hatumuheshimu kwa sababu vitu ambavyo anafanya ni vya kujinufaisha yeye mwenyewe, mpaka uniform ya polisi unataka kukula,” Sifuna said.
His remarks are likely to fuel the already heated political debate surrounding President Ruto and his administration, particularly over allegations of government spending and the conduct of political leaders.
Sifuna’s comments also highlight the growing political battle over how Kenya’s younger generation views authority, leadership and the presidency.
For Sifuna, respect for the president cannot simply come with the title — it has to be earned through the actions of the person occupying State House.
