Sifuna Hits Back at Adagala’s T-Shirt Criticism, States The Following

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has responded to Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala’s recent attack on his casual dressing style. On 7 November 2026, Adagala told an interdenominational gathering in Nyang’ori that Sifuna could not be president because he regularly appears at public events in T-shirts.

She described the habit as a “shame,” embarrassing for someone of presidential calibre, and said it showed he belonged to a group of “kalongolongo” (jokers). She contrasted his style with the seriousness she associates with government.

Sifuna’s reply came in a Facebook post on 11 November. Accompanying photos of him and supporters in branded #SifunaMashinani T-shirts at the Linda Mwananchi Movement headquarters, he wrote that the team is “very dangerous,” has been working on the ground, passed through HQ for kits, and will return to the field over the weekend. He added: “Those who said he cannot enter State House with a T-shirt will be very surprised!”

The post frames the T-shirt not as a liability but as a deliberate grassroots symbol. Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement has made branded casual wear a visible part of its mobilisation, especially among younger supporters. His response turns Adagala’s criticism into a point of defiance, linking the outfit directly to presidential ambition.

Adagala’s remarks were made at an event linked to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

They reflect a broader line of attack from some in government-aligned circles that portrays Sifuna’s informal image as unserious. Sifuna, known for appearing at rallies in T-shirts and casual wear while reserving formal attire mainly for Senate sittings, has consistently rejected such critiques as missing the substance of his politics.

The exchange highlights ongoing tension around style, authenticity, and leadership ahead of 2027. Sifuna’s camp presents the T-shirt as connection to ordinary Kenyans; critics present it as proof of lack of presidential gravitas. His latest post leaves little doubt which side of that argument he intends to own.

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