Sifuna Hits Back at Ruto Over ‘Mr Empty’ Remarks
The senator linked Ruto’s remarks to the political relationship between Raila and those who worked closely with him.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna responds to President William Ruto’s “Mr Empty” remarks during the burial of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, father of PLP leader Martha Karua, in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County. Photo: Ndindi Nyoro.
By Robert Mutasi
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has responded to President William Ruto’s repeated references to him as “Mr Empty”, questioning why the President has turned his criticism towards him after years of political attacks against the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Sifuna spoke on Saturday, October 3, 2026, during the burial of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, father of People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County.
The senator linked Ruto’s remarks to the political relationship between Raila and those who worked closely with him. He recalled the names and accusations that were directed at Raila during his political career, saying some of his critics had accused the former prime minister of being a “mganga” and of wanting to remove railway lines.
“Kwa sababu Baba hayuko, ameamua kutusi watoto wake. Kila siku anaamka anatuita majina, leo anasema Sifuna ni Mr. Empty, kesho anasema ni extortionist,” Sifuna said.
He questioned why Ruto had shifted his attention to him following Raila’s death, arguing that political associates of the former prime minister could now face the same criticism.
“Mtu ambaye alitukana baba yako hawezi kukosa kutukana na wewe,” he said.
Sifuna questions Ruto’s political support
Sifuna also challenged Ruto’s claim to political support in Nairobi, saying the President should not expect votes from the capital under what he referred to as the “Kasongo” label.
“Hakuna kura ya Kasongo mahali popote. Mimi ni senator wa Nairobi nataka niwaambie hakuna kura ya Kasongo Nairobi,” he said.
He went on to question whether Ruto had support in Kirinyaga before extending the argument to Western Kenya.
Sifuna’s remarks come amid increased political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with opposition leaders holding discussions over possible political alliances and presidential candidates.
His Linda Mwananchi political movement has also been pursuing a formal political vehicle. On October 1, the Registrar of Political Parties approved reservation of the Linda Mwananchi Movement name for a period of up to 90 days, following a Political Parties Disputes Tribunal decision directing the registrar to reconsider the application. The approval allows the promoters to proceed with the remaining registration requirements, but it does not by itself make the movement a fully registered political party.
The political formation has been associated with Sifuna and several opposition figures as the 2027 elections approach. The movement had earlier faced a dispute over the reservation of its preferred name, which was taken before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.
At the Kirinyaga funeral, Sifuna also used his remarks to invoke Raila’s political legacy, telling mourners that those who had attacked the former prime minister could also target people who worked closely with him.
His comments add to the increasingly public exchange between him and Ruto as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 General Election.
About Author
