Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has launched a sharp response to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following remarks in which Sifuna allegedly described President William Ruto as a criminal.
Speaking during a public event in Migori County, Cheruiyot, the Senate Majority Leader, accused Sifuna and a section of young leaders of disrespecting the presidency. He argued that their public statements were reckless and aimed at attracting attention rather than promoting constructive political engagement.
“There is a rising trend among young leaders who address the President without decorum,” Cheruiyot said. “There is a clear distinction between courage and recklessness.”
He maintained that leaders should exercise restraint when addressing matters concerning the head of state, warning that inflammatory rhetoric risks undermining public institutions.
Political tensions rise over remarks
Cheruiyot also turned his criticism toward the Linda Mwananchi group, which he associated with Sifuna. Without naming individuals, he alleged that members of the group were involved in activities such as extortion and fraud.
He further claimed that some county leaders had previously raised concerns about the group conduct, although he did not provide specific evidence during his remarks.
The senator questioned the credibility of individuals he said were positioning themselves as defenders of public interest while allegedly engaging in misconduct.
In his remarks, Cheruiyot suggested that Sifuna and his allies were aligned with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, alleging that the group receives backing from the former administration. He contrasted this with what he described as selective criticism directed at the current government.
The senator questioned why Sifuna had been vocal against President Ruto while remaining largely silent on past governance issues.
The exchange follows comments by Sifuna during a media interview, where he criticized the government handling of fuel-related challenges. Sifuna argued that misleading public communication on the issue was unacceptable and urged voters to reconsider their support for Ruto in future elections.
The dispute underscores deepening political divisions in Kenya, as leaders from opposing sides engage in increasingly sharp exchanges over governance, accountability and public policy.
Analysts say such confrontations reflect broader tensions within the country political landscape, particularly as economic concerns continue to dominate public debate.
