President William Ruto and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna exchanged words on Saturday during the funeral of Raila Odinga’s longtime security aide George Oduor at Ramba High School, Siaya County. The two leaders, despite sharing a somber platform, couldn’t hold back their political sentiments, leading to a light yet sharp exchange.
Sifuna took the opportunity to criticize the government over the recent Butere Girls High School incident, where students stormed out of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival after their play, Echoes of War, was barred. The play’s writer, Cleophas Malala, who also served as UDA’s former Secretary General, had been arrested prior to the event, triggering unrest. The students, in protest, refused to perform and were eventually met with police teargas—a move that Sifuna said embarrassed the government.
The Nairobi Senator urged President Ruto to take responsibility and discipline those within his administration who make his leadership more difficult. “There are people in your government whose job is to embarrass you,” Sifuna said, adding, “The Butere Girls incident was self-inflicted damage. If your team is making your job harder, read them the riot act.”
In response, President Ruto avoided delving into the specifics of the Butere Girls saga but had a witty comeback for Sifuna. He reminded the ODM Secretary General that he was among the founding members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). With a mix of jest and warning, Ruto quipped, “When you speak about me, remember I am a founder of ODM. Go easy.”
He added, “If you push me too hard, I’ll call a meeting of the founding members and we might discipline you.”
The exchange, though wrapped in light banter, exposed the growing tensions between the opposition and the government over state interference in artistic expression and youth engagement. It also highlighted Ruto’s attempt to downplay criticism while asserting his political roots and influence in the very party now led by his rivals.
As the dust settles in Siaya, the political undertones from the burial ceremony continue to echo nationally.
