MERU, Kenya — Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has criticized the government over what he termed as continued harassment of citizens through arbitrary arrests and the alleged use of hired goons to intimidate leaders who criticize the administration.
Speaking during a visit to Meru County, Sifuna said it was unfortunate that the government was focusing its efforts on silencing critics instead of addressing the challenges facing ordinary Kenyans.
According to Sifuna, several leaders and citizens have recently faced intimidation and arrests simply for expressing their views on the state of the country.
“It is worrying that instead of protecting citizens and listening to their concerns, the government is now concentrating on harassing those who question its actions,” Sifuna said.
The ODM Secretary General emphasized that Kenya remains a democratic country where citizens and leaders should be free to express their opinions without fear of intimidation or arrest.
At the same time, Sifuna said he will continue working closely with allies of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga within the party. He warned members of another faction in the party against attempts to expel leaders associated with Odinga.
According to him, internal disagreements within ODM should not be used as a basis to push out leaders who have remained loyal to the party’s leadership and its ideals.
“We will continue working together with leaders who support Raila Odinga, and any attempts to chase them away from the party will not succeed,” he said.
Sifuna further maintained that he will continue criticizing the government, arguing that the administration of President William Ruto has failed to deliver on several promises made to Kenyans during the election period.
“I will not stop speaking out. Our duty as leaders is to hold the government accountable and ensure the promises made to Kenyans are fulfilled,” he added.
Sifuna’s remarks come amid rising political tensions and ongoing debate over governance, accountability, and freedom of expression in the country.
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