Senator Onyonka challenges Sifuna – ‘Don’t steal or kill Kenyans if you become president’

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has on Sunday, August 30, 2026, challenged Linda Mwananchi, leader Edwin Sifuna, to protect Kenyans and public resources should he become president of Kenya.

Speaking during the Linda Mwananchi political tour in Meru, Onyonka urged Sifuna not to forget ordinary Kenyans if he eventually takes over the country’s leadership.

Onyonka challenges Sifuna

“Kakangu Sifuna ukiwa rais wa nchi ya Kenya, usiuwe watu, usiibe mali ya umma, usisahau hawa watu hapa hivi. Uhakikishe umelinda nchi ya Kenya, iwe nchi ya heshima,” Onyonka said.

His remarks came amid growing criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, with opposition leaders using the Meru rally to accuse the government of failing Kenyans.

Sifuna, who is positioning Linda Mwananchi as a political force ahead of the 2027 general election, directly attacked Ruto’s record, saying Kenyans were demanding freedom and an end to violence.

“William Ruto tunataka tukwambie, Wakenya wanataka kuishi maisha ya huru… hakuna mzazi hapa amezaa mtoto ndio apigwe risasi… manifesto yako yote ni ya uwongo,” Sifuna said.

The Nairobi Senator accused the administration of failing to deliver on its promises, while insisting that Kenyans wanted a government that respected their rights and dignity.

Faith Odhiambo criticises Ruto

Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo also used the Meru gathering to accuse the government of targeting opposition leaders.

Odhiambo first asked the crowd who they believed represented their political hopes, prompting a loud response in support of Sifuna.

Faith Odhiambo: “Sisi tunasema sisi ni nani?”

Crowd: “Sifuna!”

She then accused the government of failing to uphold the Constitution and claimed Ruto had attempted to harm Sifuna during his visit to Kisumu.

“Juzi tulikuwa tunasema tutahakikisha katiba yetu itekelezwe. Tukaona rais akisema anajua demokrasia. Mliona vile alijaribu kuuwa kijana wetu Sifuna vile alienda Kisumu? Tumekataa na hatuogopi,” Odhiambo said.

Her remarks further escalated the political confrontation at the rally, with leaders presenting the 2027 election as a contest over constitutional rights, accountability and the conduct of government.

Mwangaza warns Ruto over Meru

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza also issued a strong warning to the Ruto administration, saying residents would no longer tolerate what she described as disrespect and poor governance.

Mwangaza said the people of Meru wanted access to medicine, development and better services rather than political disputes.

“Sisi watu wa Meru, ile kitu hatupendi ni madharau. Watu wakishiba wasituletee shida zao. Tunataka haki ya kupata madawa kwa hospitali, maendeleo katika ya Meru,” Mwangaza said.

She accused Ruto of being misled into removing her from office and replacing her, before questioning whether the county was making progress under the current leadership.

“Kwa sababu Kasongo alidanganywa na wanaume wachache, akamtoa mama, akaweka bonoko. Kuna kazi inaendelea Meru?” Mwangaza asked.

Crowd: “Hapana!”

Mwangaza then declared that residents were ready to send the Kenya Kwanza administration home.

“Ndio tunasema hiyo serikali tunaipeleka nyumbani asubuhi na mapema. Kasongo, Kindiki waende wasiende?”

Crowd: “Waende!”

The Meru rally marked another aggressive show of opposition unity, with Sifuna, Onyonka, Odhiambo and Mwangaza attacking the Ruto administration on governance, constitutional rights, public services and alleged political repression.

With the 2027 General Election approaching, the leaders used the Linda Mwananchi platform to deepen their challenge to Ruto while portraying their movement as a vehicle for political change.