Sifuna Names Ruto’s CS He Respects, Reveals What Impressed Him During Parliamentary Engagements

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has praised Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, describing him as a professional who understands the responsibilities of the ministries he has headed under President William Ruto’s administration.

Speaking during an interview with media houses on Friday, October 9, 2026, Sifuna said Chirchir demonstrated a strong understanding of government operations and his ministerial responsibilities.

The Linda Mwananchi team leader, who has frequently criticised Ruto’s administration, made the remarks while discussing the importance of competence and accountability among Cabinet Secretaries serving in government.

Sifuna recalled his experience in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where he questioned some of his party colleagues after they were appointed to Cabinet positions in Ruto’s administration.

According to the senator, some of the officials struggled to answer questions concerning their respective ministries, raising concerns about their preparedness to handle the responsibilities entrusted to them.

He maintained that Cabinet Secretaries should understand their dockets and provide clear answers when questioned about their decisions, particularly when addressing issues affecting the public.

Sifuna said his colleagues sometimes complained that he was being harsh towards them whenever he demanded explanations about their work and responsibilities.

“My colleagues in the same party, you don’t have answers for the public, because those are not questions for me. It is questions that involve or appertain to your docket. You should know your stuff,” Sifuna said.

The Nairobi senator emphasised that public officials must be prepared to explain their decisions and demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the departments they oversee.

He argued that questions about ministerial responsibilities should not be treated as personal attacks, noting that accountability is part of the obligations attached to public office.

Sifuna specifically mentioned Chirchir when discussing Cabinet Secretaries whose understanding of their responsibilities had impressed him during his parliamentary engagements.

“There are Cabinet Secretaries, and you have covered us in Parliament. There are Cabinet Secretaries who know their stuff. Davis Chirchir, I have no problem mentioning them, because they are proper professionals,” he stated.

The senator also referred to his previous service on the Senate’s Transport Committee, which gave him an opportunity to interact with government officials responsible for various sectors.

He recalled that Chirchir had demonstrated an understanding of the energy docket before his subsequent appointment to head the Transport Ministry.

According to Sifuna, Chirchir continued to display knowledge of his responsibilities after moving to the transport portfolio, making him an example in his discussion about ministerial preparedness.

The remarks stand out because Sifuna has remained a vocal critic of the government, frequently questioning its decisions and demanding accountability from public officials.

His praise for Chirchir, however, focused on the Cabinet Secretary’s professional understanding of government operations rather than an endorsement of the broader administration.

Sifuna’s comments also highlighted the expectations placed on Cabinet Secretaries, who are responsible for implementing government policies, overseeing their departments and answering questions concerning their respective ministries.

The senator’s account underscored his position that political differences should not prevent public officials from being assessed on their knowledge, performance and willingness to account for their actions.

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