Edwin Sifuna accuses gov't of suppressing dissent through intimidation

Embattled ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna on Sunday criticised President William Ruto’s administration over alleged intimidation, arrests and abductions, while signalling renewed opposition political mobilisation in Meru County.

Speaking at Zabron Mathenge’s home and Word Temble Church, Kirung'a in North Imenti, Meru, Mr Sifuna said opposition leaders would soon return to the county for political meetings under the Linda Mwananchi movement.

“We have decided as youths and Kenyans to liberate this country from dictatorship leadership. This country is going in the wrong direction,” said Mr Sifuna.

He accused the government of allegedly creating fear among citizens and suppressing dissent through arrests.

He said since March 2025 more than 30 innocent youths have been killed and others abducted.

“Who told you it is a must for us to live fearing this administration because of abductions, killings and all manner of ills they are committing? Once one posts something on Facebook, not pleasing them, you are arrested,” he said.

Sifuna claimed that young people and elderly citizens had been targeted, alleging that police were interfering even in private disputes.

“On Saturday they arrested an innocent person who is a board member of The Nairobi Hospital. I was called by family members saying their father was arrested at night just because of a private dispute. Why does police cross their line and interfere?” he posed.

He further alleged that powerful interests were attempting to influence institutions and intimidate political allies a case scenario of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju.

“They want to grab Raphael Tuju's property. If Baba was alive today, such things could not be happening,” Mr Sifuna said, referring to the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.

The Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General said returning to Meru without Odinga had been emotionally difficult, recalling his last visit to the county in February 2024.

“Returning here without Odinga has been very difficult for me. The last time we were here, we sat with Raila here. Let us all rise to observe a moment of silence in honour of a departed ODM leader,” he said.

Sifuna said the leaders allied with Odinga would continue defending those who stood with him politically.

“I want to assure all friends of Raila, once you call me, because I know what you did for Mzee, I will never abandon you,” he said.

Sifuna claimed that Dr Ruto has lost the grip of mwananchi, expressing confidence the opposition will win the 2027 general election.

"Ruto has no votes . I have traversed Western, Mt Kenya, Nairobi, Maasailand, North Eastern and Coast. Don't be intimidated with lies. The secret is numbers and once we are overwhelmingly voted in and defeat him with more than 5 million votes, he can't rig. We want to return this country to the values of the constitution," he said.

He also announced plans for broader opposition engagement in Meru.

“I assure Meru people we will come with the whole Linda Mwananchi team and hold political meetings here,” he said.