Sifuna accuses Ruto’s govt of using youth as political goons, then killing them
By Mustafa Juma, July 3, 2026Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of recruiting young people to disrupt opposition meetings before abandoning and, in some cases, turning against them.
Speaking during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Mosocho, Kisii County, attended by former Chief Justice David Maraga and other opposition leaders, Sifuna claimed the government was exploiting unemployed youth for political ends while presiding over a rise in fatal shootings involving young Kenyans.
“Juzi Ruto anaenda kufungua kaoverpass, kabridge kadogo kama ya kuvuka mto hapa Nyansiongo, anasema ni Ksh3 billion. Wakati anafanya hiyo kazi, polisi wake wanaua watu kule Mathare,” Sifuna said.
The senator was referring to President Ruto’s recent commissioning of the Ngong Road–Naivasha Road Overpass, a project valued at approximately Ksh3.58 billion.
The 820-metre, four-lane flyover links Ngong Road, Naivasha Road and Kingara Road near The Junction Mall and was officially opened this week, with the government saying it was completed ahead of schedule to ease traffic congestion in Nairobi.
Sifuna argued that Kenyans were more concerned about the protection of lives than infrastructure projects.
“Sisi tunasema afadhali tuachwe tuwe hai na umaskini wetu, tupambane na hali yetu lakini usituue,” Sifuna said.
He further claimed that young people were being recruited and paid to disrupt political gatherings before becoming victims themselves.
“Tunataka Ruto ajue kuwa hakuna vile watatumia vijana wetu vibaya. Ati siku hizi wanachukua vijana, wanawalipa pesa, kazi yao ni kuvuruga mikutano ya wengine,” he said.
Without presenting evidence, Sifuna went on to claim that payment disputes had led to fatal consequences.
“Wanachukua hao vijana, wakati wanakosana upande wa malipo, wanapiga hao vijana risasi wanakufa. Kuna kijana huko Nairobi amepigwa risasi na PS wa serikali ya Ruto. Wamemuua kwa sababu ya kukosana kwa mambo ya malipo,” he remarked.
Cecil Ouma shooting
Sifuna’s comments appeared to reference the recent fatal shooting of Cecil Ouma, a 28-year-old youth mobiliser and University of Technology Kenya graduate, who died after being shot in Nairobi.
The incident has attracted widespread public attention after reports claimed that the shooting involved a bodyguard attached to Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs. A post-mortem examination has since been conducted as investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ouma’s death continue.
The case has sparked calls from opposition leaders and human rights activists for a transparent investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Opposition intensifies criticism
Sifuna’s remarks formed part of a broader opposition offensive during the Linda Mwananchi tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties, which brought together several prominent leaders, including former Chief Justice David Maraga.
During the rally, Maraga urged Kenyans to unite behind leaders committed to fighting corruption and restoring constitutional governance, while warning that the country risked losing its democratic gains if governance challenges remained unaddressed.
The Linda Mwananchi movement has been holding public forums across the country as opposition leaders seek to build momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Meanwhile, the deaths of young Kenyans during police operations continue to dominate political debate, with civil society organisations, lawyers and opposition figures demanding independent investigations and greater accountability from law enforcement agencies.