SIRENDE, Kenya – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya have criticised President William Ruto’s administration after leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement were stopped from addressing mourners at the funeral of former VIP Protection Unit commander Lazarus Opicho.
The funeral, held on Friday in Sirende, Trans Nzoia County, proceeded peacefully until political leaders took to the podium and some began criticising the President and his administration.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka urged security officers not to allow the protection of political leaders to become a tool for political disputes, making a direct appeal to Ruto over Natembeya.
“I want to urge the security officers here not to allow the security of leaders to be used for political games. Today, someone is taken away; tomorrow, they are gone. Mr President, do not play with Natembeya,” Wamboka said.
The remarks appeared to heighten tensions, with speakers repeatedly interrupted before the leaders were eventually stopped from addressing the gathering.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli intervened, saying people had a right to express themselves but should not turn Opicho’s funeral into a political platform.
“Let us understand one thing: everybody has a right to express themselves wherever they are. But do not bring that here, at Opicho’s funeral,” Masengeli said.
Sifuna Turns Focus To Ruto’s Housing Projects
After Opicho’s body was taken away for burial, Linda Mwananchi leaders continued their criticism of the government, shifting their focus to police welfare and the rights of officers.
Sifuna made a political declaration targeting Ruto’s affordable housing programme, saying he would take over houses built under the current administration if elected President.
“When I am sworn in as the sixth president, I will take over these houses built by Ruto. These houses built by Ruto…because you heard Opicho’s young colleague say they started life in a single-room house,” Sifuna said.
The senator also defended the movement’s right to question government policies, insisting that criticism and public scrutiny would continue despite attempts to silence its leaders.
“Even if you insult me or call me names, we will still ask the questions that need to be asked,” he added.
The leaders also called on the government to allow opposition figures to campaign freely without insults, intimidation or restrictions that could interfere with their political activities.
Natembeya Rejects Claims Linking Him To Goons
Natembeya, meanwhile, accused the government of stigmatising unemployed young people by describing them as goons, arguing that such labels criminalised poverty.
“This government is confusing unemployed young people by labelling them goons. They are criminalising poverty. They claim Natembeya is the king of goons in Trans Nzoia. That is nothing but a pack of lies,” the governor said.
His remarks followed growing political friction between the governor and the national administration.
Natembeya and Sifuna maintained that they would continue challenging policies they consider oppressive and pressing the government to account for its actions.
Opicho’s Funeral Becomes Political Flashpoint
The incident turned the funeral of the former senior police officer into a public platform for political confrontation, with security officials stepping in to take control of the programme.
The dispute also brought renewed attention to the relationship between the government and leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, who have called for greater political freedom and changes to government policy.
The leaders said they remained determined to push for a different political direction, promising reforms if they eventually assume power.
