Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has fired back after Governor Ochilo Ayacko warned him against visiting Migori County during his ongoing Linda Mwananchi political tours.

Speaking on Monday, March 2, 2026, during an interview with K24 TV, Sifuna insisted that political leaders should embrace open democratic debate rather than issuing threats aimed at restricting movement or public engagement.

He dismissed the warning, arguing that Kenya is not operating under an authoritarian political culture.

“Sitasimama niseme mheshimiwa Ochilo Ayako asije Nairobi. Akuje, hata akitaka I will facilitate afanye mkutano wake hapa Nairobi. Lakini semi kama hizo ambazo tunasikia kutoka kwa viongozi ni mfumo wa siasa ambao tunataka tuuwache nyuma.,” Sifuna said.

He added that political competition should be based on ideas rather than intimidation.

“Tunataka tukuwe na honest and open debate, wakitushinda kiakili watushinde, lakini hii mambo ya fujo na kuambia wengine wasikanyage mahali pengine, hatuko katika serikali ya KANU,” he stated.

Linda Mwananchi tours

The senator further vowed that his political meetings would proceed as planned despite the warning.

He announced that Linda Mwananchi tours would resume after the Ramadan period, with planned visits to several regions, including the coastal region and Migori County.

“Mikutano yetu itaendelea kwa sababu sisi sio waoga; tunangojea Ramadan iishe alafu tupange ratiba, tutembee kule Pwani, tutembee sehemu zingine. Nataka nimhakikishie gavana wa Migori: tutakuja Migori,” he said.

The statement was delivered in a highly charged tone, with Sifuna emphasising that fear would not dictate his political activities.

Sifuna maintained that intimidation would not stop his movement, noting that the late Raila Odinga did not mentor cowards.

“Kama ni kutuua wacha atuue, lakini hatuezi kutishwa. Baba hakulea watu waoga, yeye ajipange tu, tutampea tarehe,” Sifuna maintained.

Ayacko’s warning

Sifuna’s remarks come a day after Governor Ayacko urged Migori residents not to allow the ODM rebel faction to hold their Linda Mwananchi rallies in the county.

Speaking at Posta Grounds in Migori town on Sunday, March 1, 2026, during the ODM Linda Ground rally, Ayacko insisted that the county only recognises Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as their ODM leader and that anyone purporting to lead any other faction of the party shall not be allowed.

“Sisi ambao tuko hapa Migori hatutaki mtu akuje kutuchezea. Hiyo mrengo ingine ya wale wengine, mtawaruhusu waje hapa Migori? Hebu nione wale wamekataa kwa mkono? Wewe kama ni mtu wa kufanya ghasia, tafuta sehemu nyingine ufanye hiyo ghasia. Hapa Migori, kiongozi wetu ni Oburu Odinga, na tuko kwa ODM kamili, na tumeamua tunataka pawa,” Ayacko said.