Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to address key public health challenges while pursuing what he described as misplaced priorities.
In a strongly worded statement posted on social media, Sifuna questioned the government's capacity to deal with emerging health threats, arguing that longstanding diseases affecting millions of Kenyans remain inadequately addressed.
"Wakora wameshindwa kutatua malaria na bilharzia lakini wanajifanya experts wa ebola. For the right price, Ruto will even sell us to the devil. Kicking him out will solve 80% of our problems," Sifuna said.
The remarks are the latest in a series of attacks by opposition leaders against President Ruto's administration as political temperatures begin to rise ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Criticism of Government Priorities
Sifuna's comments appeared to target the government's handling of public health matters and broader governance issues, with the ODM official arguing that authorities should focus on tackling diseases that have long affected communities across the country.
Malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in parts of Kenya, particularly in regions around Lake Victoria and the Coast. Bilharzia, also known as schistosomiasis, continues to affect thousands of people living in areas with poor access to clean water and sanitation.
The senator suggested that the government was focusing attention on less immediate concerns while failing to adequately address persistent health challenges facing ordinary Kenyans.
Growing Political Tensions
The latest criticism comes amid increasing political confrontations between opposition figures and the Kenya Kwanza administration over the economy, taxation, governance and public service delivery.
Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused the government of failing to ease the high cost of living and deliver on campaign promises made during the 2022 election campaign.
President Ruto and his allies, however, maintain that the administration has made significant progress in stabilising the economy, creating jobs, expanding affordable housing, reforming healthcare and improving agricultural production.
Government officials have also argued that some of the economic difficulties facing the country stem from inherited challenges, including high public debt, global economic shocks and climate-related disruptions.
Battle for 2027 Begins Taking Shape
Political analysts view Sifuna's remarks as part of the broader positioning by opposition leaders ahead of the next election cycle.
As one of ODM's most vocal figures, the Nairobi Senator has emerged as a leading critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, frequently using public forums and social media to challenge government policies and decisions.
His latest comments underscore the increasingly confrontational tone that is beginning to define Kenya's political landscape as parties prepare for what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 presidential race.
While the government has not officially responded to Sifuna's latest remarks, Kenya Kwanza leaders have previously dismissed similar criticism as political rhetoric aimed at undermining the administration's development agenda.
With just over a year before the country enters full campaign mode, both government and opposition leaders are expected to intensify efforts to convince voters that they offer the best path forward for addressing Kenya's economic, social and governance challenges.
