"Sifuna, Sifuna" Chants Erupts as Supporters of Ruto's Camp Clash with Linda Mwanachi in Bungoma

A church service in Bungoma County turned chaotic after rival political factions clashed, with chants of “Sifuna, Sifuna” dominating the scene as tensions flared between supporters of President William Ruto's administration and those aligned to the Linda Mwananchi movement.

The incident happened on Sunday at St Francis of Assisi Myanga Catholic Church during a fundraising event that had brought together leaders from both sides of the political divide.

Among those present were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, and former MP Mwambu Mabonga.

The service had initially proceeded peacefully, with leaders joining congregants in worship.

However, the calm atmosphere quickly shifted after the event when politicians stepped outside to address residents from their vehicles, some standing through sunroofs to greet supporters.

It was at this point that tensions escalated. A section of residents broke into loud chants of “Sifuna, Sifuna,” in apparent support of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, as they attempted to drown out speeches by leaders allied to President Ruto, including Mabonga.

The chants triggered a heated exchange between rival supporters, leading to a brief confrontation that forced leaders to cut short their engagements.

The incident comes amid growing political realignments across the country, with Sifuna emerging as a key leader in the Linda Mwananchi movement—a faction linked to ODM.

Sifuna has recently signaled openness to working with leaders across political divides to build a united opposition front. 

According to him, a consolidated coalition with a single presidential candidate could offer Kenyans a stronger alternative to the current administration.