Sifuna explains why opposition will not succumb to Ruto’s pressure on sharing their plan
By Faith Lagat, September 12, 2025Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has introduced the “Wantam” slogan as a direct counter to President William Ruto’s “Hustler Nation” narrative, anchoring it as a rallying call for the Kenya Moja movement.
Speaking during the launch of the Githunguri Avocado Cooperative Society in Kiambu County, on September 12, 2025, the senator drew sharp contrasts between his camp and the government’s political messaging, terming “Wantam” a strategy of action rather than rhetoric.
“Wantam” as the antidote to hustler
In his address, Sifuna argued that Ruto’s approach had misled Kenyans in the past and vowed that Kenya Moja would counter it with urgency and direct empowerment.
“Sasa tunamwambia this time round, having learnt from past experiences mimi Sifuna hakuna kuelezana sera, ati he is asking us to tell him our manifestos/plans, lakini hatusemi, sisi tulienda tu hapo ni wantam, vile alifanya hustler wakati ule sisi yetu ni wantam, dawa ya moto ni moto,” he declared.
The senator accused the president of making deceptive promises to voters during the last election.
“William Ruto ile kitu ulifanya ukadanganya wakenya sisi kama Kenya Moja tuko tayari kufanya, ukiingia kwa misa unanipata mimi nishapiga magoti hapo, akitoka church mi niko na bishop, wakiempower, tuna empower, mpaka ile siku tutaelewana, mtu asiwadanganye na mambo ya manifestos,” he added.
Revisiting campaign promises
Sifuna revisited the 2022 campaigns, suggesting that Kenyans were swayed by simplicity over substance.
“While we were with Baba during the campaigns giving our manifestos to you, kama ile ya thao sita, masomo kuwa bure, free healthcare, kumbe mlikua mmejam halafu yule jamaa tulikuwa tunabishana na yeye, hakua na maneno mingi alikua anasema tu hustler, na nyinyi mkaamua ni yeye,” he said.
He contrasted Kenya Moja’s empowerment forums with government-led initiatives, insisting that their approach guarantees immediate benefits.
“Na naomba vile vikundi ambavyo wamekuja hapa leo; sisi hatufanyi empowerment kama ile ukora ya empowerment ya kina Kindiki. Hii pesa mnatoka hapa nayo leo,” he stated during a previous forum in Funyula.
Sifuna’s message has drawn support from allies within Kenya Moja. Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga earlier accused government legislators of misusing public funds, while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino described Sifuna as a “chief injector” armed with a “camel syringe.” Gathoni Wamuchomba, who attended the Githunguri event, urged him to escalate his efforts, suggesting the use of an “elephant syringe” to drive the government out.