Speaking during a Linda Mwananchi event in Meru on Sunday, August 30, Sifuna said Kenyans should understand the difference between respecting the institution of the presidency and supporting the individual occupying the office.
“We will distinguish between the Office of the President and Hon William Ruto,” Sifuna said.
The senator maintained that respect should be mutual and cannot be imposed through intimidation or authority. He argued that the current generation of Kenyans expects leaders to earn respect through their conduct rather than demand it simply because they hold powerful positions.
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"William Ruto thinks that respect comes by force. That's impossible. We are a different generation. If you respect us, we respect you,” he said.
Sifuna, who has remained one of the outspoken critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration, also addressed criticism over his choice of language when engaging with the President and his political allies.
In a pointed statement, he indicated that he would not allow himself to be personally attacked without responding. He used a Swahili expression to underline his position, saying:
“Ukiniita fala, nashuka na wewe (If you call me a fool, I will go down with you),” he declared.
The Nairobi senator further challenged President Ruto to demonstrate respect through the conduct of his administration before expecting the same from citizens and political opponents.
His latest remarks follow criticism from government-aligned politicians over an earlier incident in which Sifuna reportedly referred to President Ruto as “mshenzi”, a derogatory term that drew condemnation from several leaders.
"William Ruto thinks that respect comes by force. That's impossible. We are a different generation. If you respect us, we respect you,” he said.
Sifuna, who has remained one of the outspoken critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration, also addressed criticism over his choice of language when engaging with the President and his political allies.
In a pointed statement, he indicated that he would not allow himself to be personally attacked without responding. He used a Swahili expression to underline his position, saying:
“Ukiniita fala, nashuka na wewe (If you call me a fool, I will go down with you),” he declared.
The Nairobi senator further challenged President Ruto to demonstrate respect through the conduct of his administration before expecting the same from citizens and political opponents.
His latest remarks follow criticism from government-aligned politicians over an earlier incident in which Sifuna reportedly referred to President Ruto as “mshenzi”, a derogatory term that drew condemnation from several leaders.
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Cherargei went further by warning that if Sifuna was seeking a political confrontation, he would receive one.
The exchange highlights the increasingly heated political rhetoric between government supporters and opposition figures, with questions of accountability, respect and political expression continuing to dominate public debate.
Sifuna's latest comments suggest that he intends to maintain his outspoken approach, while drawing a clear line between criticism of the President as an individual and respect for the constitutional office he occupies.
Cherargei went further by warning that if Sifuna was seeking a political confrontation, he would receive one.
The exchange highlights the increasingly heated political rhetoric between government supporters and opposition figures, with questions of accountability, respect and political expression continuing to dominate public debate.
Sifuna's latest comments suggest that he intends to maintain his outspoken approach, while drawing a clear line between criticism of the President as an individual and respect for the constitutional office he occupies.
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