Edwin Sifuna criticizes Ruto’s leadership, cites disconnect between words and actions

By Robert Mutasi

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna openly takes issue with the government of President William Ruto, which he says has failed to match its words with action.

On November 26, Sifuna expressed disappointment in the leadership style of the Head of State, describing the gap between rhetoric delivered by him and the actual actions of his administration.

"There is usually a disconnect between his words and the actions of his government," Sifuna observed.

He further questioned the credibility of the President in sending appropriate messages to the nation, saying, "I do not trust the current President to paint a true picture of the state of the people and the nation."

Sifuna's strong criticism was hot on the heels of his snub of the recently held State of the Nation Address by President Ruto.

He explained his absence, saying he saw little value in attending an event where the President, according to him, failed to address the pressing realities affecting Kenyans.

He critiqued such events for gradually turning into sites of political grandstanding devoid of actual solutions to the nation's problems.

The Senator's sentiments revived debates on the performance of the Ruto regime, which has been criticized from various quarters over its governance and economic policies.

Critics, such as Sifuna, have accused it of making promises that are not realities of lived experiences of ordinary citizens, especially in containing the cost of living, absorption of the unemployed, and access to core services.

However, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah took the utterances by Sifuna with a lot of hostility.

Defending President Ruto, Ichung'wah discarded the claims, arguing that the President had so far shown integrity and was transparent in his leadership.

"Time will vindicate the President, and those who talk about Ruto and lies will know there is nothing about lies with the President," Ichung'wah hit back.

Ichung'wah urged leaders like Sifuna to be constructive in their engagement rather than perpetuate what he termed as divisive rhetoric.

The Chief Administrative Secretary has insisted that the government is engaged in addressing the economic challenges and improving service delivery.