Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna has declared that no amount of intimidation or political threats will force him to retreat from criticising the government.
Speaking during a church service in Kitengela, Sifuna, who had earlier been removed as secretary general before a court suspended the decision, said he remains resolute in defending Kenyans.
He insisted that he and like-minded leaders will continue speaking out against alleged injustices.
“Even if they want, they can hunt us down and scheme against us, but we will not stop speaking the truth to protect Kenyans from injustices of the government, the corruption, abductions, and extrajudicial killings,” he stated.
Vihiga Senator Godffrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Siaya Governor James Orengo joined Sifuna at the service.
Also present were several Members of Parliament, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Suba South’s Caroli Omondi, Kitutu Chache South’s Anthony Kibagendi, Kaiti’s Joshua Kimilu, Funyula’s Oundo Ojiambo, and Saboti’s Caleb Amisi.
Sifuna recalled lessons from the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying leadership requires constant accountability to the people.
“The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga used to tell us that if you are a leader, there must be people you are leading. And every step you take, you have to turn back to see if the people are still with you. And that is what we will keep doing,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Kenyans for their support amid political turbulence.
“I want to thank Kenyans because you have turned to take my roles and you are giving me comfort that even if they eliminate me, there will be more than 15 million who will continue with my work of fighting for the people,” he stated.
The senator painted a grim picture of the country’s socio-economic situation.
“The economy is not doing well, our kids are not in school, things going haywire even in health sector but they tell us that we should be quiet or they will remove us from our positions. I want to assure Kenyans that we will keep standing with the people. I will protect the people today, and they will protect me tomorrow.”
Osotsi, for his part, said he had declined to join the government in order to remain aligned with citizens.
“The people you are seeing here is the true ODM. The other group has been taken by the government,” he stated.
He added that Sifuna’s removal would not succeed. “Even Mama Ida has said Sifuna is not going anywhere,” he said, questioning why the ODM National Executive Council had not considered removing him from his position as Deputy Party Leader.
“We are in ODM to stay, they are the ones who will leave,” Osotsi added, alleging there were plans to disrupt their rallies.
“Next weekend we will hold the mother of all rallies in Kakamega town,” he announced.
Orengo echoed the sentiments, saying, “This journey must succeed, we must salvage our country. I am sure we will bring change in this country. If you want to live for a long time, stand for the truth.”
“I want to tell them, no matter how many people they kill or send to prison, we will liberate the country. After Kakamega, we will go to other parts of the country. We have instilled fear in the dictatorship,” he said.
