Sifuna to Joho: Stop Threatening Kenyans
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called on Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho to refrain from threatening Kenyans critical of the government on social media.
Speaking on Citizen Radio on Wednesday, Sifuna criticized Joho’s remarks made during President William Ruto’s development tour in Taita Taveta County, where Joho chastised online critics, saying, “A country cannot be built on the internet.” The CS warned online trolls to stop their criticism or face consequences.
Sifuna urged Joho to embrace democracy and engage dissenting voices with respect. “This government doesn’t know how to talk to citizens. Today’s citizen is not one you threaten. We will summon Joho to explain why he is intimidating Kenyans,” Sifuna said.
ALSO READ: President Ruto signs three bills into law
The senator added that the government should expect intensified scrutiny of its performance, citing increased civic awareness and the influence of Gen Z-led protests that have emboldened citizens to express their opinions fearlessly.
He also reminded Joho to recognize his role as a Cabinet Secretary, not a politician, and to exercise restraint in his public statements, avoiding a confrontational approach with the public.
ALSO READ: INTERESTED IN EBOOKS VISIT tabriba.com
“Remarks made by a CS are very different from those made by a politician. He needs to be reminded he’s no longer Mombasa governor or ODM deputy party leader…he’s a CS and a CS is accountable.
“He’s lucky we’re going on recess this week until February (but) he should not think we will forget; we will summon him to explain what he means when he says he will come for those Kenyans criticising government. In what capacity will he do that?”
Sifuna emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental right protected by the Bill of Rights and urged Kenyans to continue voicing their opinions without fear of intimidation.
He highlighted that Kenyans reclaimed their power during the Occupy Parliament protests, showcasing their resilience and commitment to holding leaders accountable. “because you used to live like you didn’t know that you’re more powerful than these people”.
“Continue shining the spotlight on us and don’t be threatened by anyone, speak up because this is how we will build our country for future generations,” he said.
ALSO READ: INTERESTED IN EBOOKS VISIT tabriba.com
“Personally, I’m not perfect… I have been receiving emails on how people want me to vote on Bills and I listen. Why would you threaten a 19-year-old? These are the people we need to sit with and borrow ideas on how to develop our country. You (Joho) have already contributed to the progress of the country, stop threatening people.”
Sifuna also criticized President William Ruto for labeling those who oppose government policies as being driven by an “evil spirit of opposition.”
“Mimi ndio hiyo pepo ya kupinga (I’m that evil spirit of opposition),” Sifuna said.
But we are not opposing just for the sake of it, we are opposing because the law is not being followed and your statements, Mr President, are not in sync with the actions of your government,” he added.
President William Ruto on November 21 directed the Ministries of Transport and Energy to terminate the JKIA and Ketraco deals with Indian conglomerate Adani Group. This decision followed growing public backlash and “new information provided by our investigative agencies and partner nations,” according to the President.
ALSO READ: INTERESTED IN EBOOKS VISIT tabriba.com
The new information stemmed from the indictment of Gautam Adani, the billionaire chairperson of Adani Group, by U.S. prosecutors over allegations of bribery and fraud.
For months, Kenyans had expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s insistence on partnering with Adani Group in the aviation and energy sectors through a Privately Initiated Partnership (PIP).
Speaking in Taita Taveta on Tuesday, Ruto lamented the widespread criticism of government projects.
“What do you gain by opposing the construction of an airport in your country? You have no idea how it will be built. Some of those opposing have never even stepped into an airport,” Ruto said.
ALSO READ: Ata Hamjawai Kanyaga Airport! President Ruto Mocks Critics of the JKIA-Adani Deal
“This spirit of opposing everything—let us pray for our country. To those opposing on social media, we rebuke the devil in Jesus’ name,” he added.
In response, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna asserted that Kenyans have every right to voice their concerns about national matters.
“For as long as we have breath, we will continue speaking. When something is bad, we will say it is bad; if it’s good, we will say it’s good,” Sifuna said.
