Ruto to Sifuna: Tread carefully when criticizing me

By Newsflash Political Desk

President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, urging him to be cautious in his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza government.

Speaking on Saturday, April 12, 2025, during the burial ceremony of George Oduor, a long-serving aide to Raila Odinga, Ruto reminded Sifuna of his deep roots within the ODM party and hinted at possible political consequences should the attacks persist.

The emotional ceremony was held at Ramba Boys High School in Siaya County, drawing key political figures from both government and opposition.

Tensions flared when Sifuna, who has earned a reputation as one of Ruto’s most vocal critics, used the platform to call out the President over recent incidents he described as government failures.

Sifuna slams government over Nakuru incident

“Your Excellency, the President, the Bishop has told us that your work is quite difficult. And I agree with him,” Sifuna said, in what began as a conciliatory tone. “Even me, at times I wonder how you sleep. But at times, your tribulations are self-inflicted. There are some people in your government who are deliberately careless in their work.”

Sifuna pointed specifically to the recent controversy in Nakuru, where students from Butere Girls’ High School were teargassed and chased away by security officers as they tried to stage a play.

The incident, which has drawn widespread public outrage, was cited by the ODM Nairobi Senator as an example of poor leadership and negligence within Ruto’s administration.

“For instance, all this drama we witnessed in Nakuru, about children being denied to stage their play, being teargassed and chased here and there… that is a self-inflicted problem. You should read the riot act to all those making your work difficult to contain the current mess,” Sifuna said.

Ruto responds with political warning

While Ruto acknowledged the weight of the criticism, his response was laced with both political warning and a reminder of shared history. Taking the microphone shortly after Sifuna’s remarks, the Head of State said the ODM Secretary General was treading on dangerous ground.

“Sifuna, when you speak about me, know that I am a founding member of ODM. Tread carefully,” Ruto warned. “If you push me too far, I will call a meeting of the founding members. If we have that meeting, we can discipline you. Let’s be careful.”

The burial, which had been expected to be a solemn affair celebrating the life of a man who served Raila Odinga faithfully for years, quickly turned into a political stage. Observers noted the palpable tension between the leaders, especially given the increasingly heated exchanges between government and opposition in recent weeks.

Sifuna has emerged as one of the most combative voices in the opposition. He has consistently accused Ruto of running down public institutions and presiding over a government that disregards the rule of law.