President William Ruto’s personal aide Farouk Kibet has launched a fresh attack on Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, telling him to stop asking Kenyans for financial contributions and instead find ways of raising his own money.
Speaking to residents in Butere during a women and boda boda empowerment programme, Kibet questioned why Sifuna, who is seeking a bigger political role, keeps moving around the country asking ordinary Kenyans to contribute towards his activities.
Photo|Farouk Kibet and Stephen Letoo
“Wanaume watafute pesa, waache kuombaomba,” Kibet said, in a pointed message directed at the Nairobi senator.
Kibet argued that many of the Kenyans being approached for contributions are struggling to put food on the table and should not be burdened with financing politicians.
He said a leader seeking elective office should demonstrate the ability to mobilise resources independently instead of relying on ordinary citizens who are themselves facing economic hardships.
“A real man cannot move from one corner of the country to another asking humble Kenyans for help when those Kenyans are struggling to put food on the table,” Kibet said.
His remarks come amid growing political activity by Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement as opposition leaders intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna has been touring Western Kenya and other parts of the country seeking support for his political ambitions.Kibet urged Kenyans to be cautious about politicians who repeatedly ask them for financial contributions, arguing that such fundraising does not necessarily translate into better leadership.He maintained that constantly soliciting money from citizens could undermine a politician’s credibility and confidence among voters.
The President’s aide also used the Butere gathering to rally residents behind the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that supporting the government would give them greater access to development opportunities and empowerment programmes.
Kibet said the government has the resources and capacity to support communities through various programmes and urged residents to align themselves with initiatives being implemented by the administration.He contrasted this with opposition politicians, whom he accused of seeking public contributions while promising to take over government.
Kibet’s attack adds a new dimension to the growing political rivalry between the Kenya Kwanza camp and Sifuna, who has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of President Ruto.Sifuna has recently intensified his criticism of the President, accusing the administration of failing to honour some of its 2022 campaign promises and calling for a change of government in 2027.
Photo|Kenya Kwanza Supporters
The exchange signals an increasingly heated political contest in Western Kenya, where both government and opposition camps are stepping up efforts to win grassroots support ahead of the 2027 polls.