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| Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna attends senetor Toms mother burial |
Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna is among the dignitaries who attended the burial of Senator Tom Ojienda’s mother, Agnetta Odundo, in Nyakach Constituency on Saturday, June 15. Senators Edwin Sifuna (l) and Tom Ojienda (r) during Ojienda’s mother’s burial in Kisumu county. Sifuna, also the secretary-general of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, which elected Ojienda to the Senate, spoke during the event. Sifuna lectures UDA leaders at Ojienda’s mum’s burial He recalled welcoming Ojienda to the Senate and used the occasion to address Kenya Kwanza leaders at the ceremony, including ICT CS Eliud Owalo and his alleged focus on the Nyanza region despite having national representation. “I have come here to console my colleague Senator Tom Ojienda following the demise of his mother. I’m among the people who welcomed you to the Senate and according to my records as the SG of the party that elected you, you are still a member of ODM. I want CS Owalo and PS Raymond Omollo to act as national leaders,” stated Sifuna. The gathering also saw the presence of Gideon Ochanda, Member of Parliament for Bondo Constituency, whom Sifuna criticised for supporting the Finance Bill 2024, which has sparked widespread calls for its withdrawal. Immediately after he finished his speech, several mourners stormed out of the gathering as they cheered the senator for lecturing the leaders and for his input on national issues. Ojienda reacts to Sifuna’s remarks Ojienda, who has defected to the Kenya Kwanza coalition, acknowledged the significant reaction of mourners to Sifuna’s remarks, recognising them as a catalyst. “I knew you would do this. He is my SG and when he talks, he stirs up everything, even though he has spoken very well,” he said. Sifuna questions Gachagua’s government criticism During the same event, Sifuna queried why Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been criticising the government he serves. The lawmaker suggested that Gachagua’s actions expose the poor state of the country and the economy overall. The deputy president has been at odds with his boss, President William Ruto, over his appeals for unity in the Mt. Kenya region.
by Nancy Odindo