Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Roselyn Akombe has sharply criticised Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and allied opposition figures, accusing them of engaging in political “games” that distract Kenyans from deeper issues facing the country.
Akombe’s remarks follow Sifuna’s rally in Kitengela, Kajiado County, where police deployed teargas to disperse crowds on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
Akombe characterised the opposition mobilisation — which drew thousands and was disrupted mid-event — as a manufactured spectacle rather than meaningful political engagement.
In a statement shared on social media, she said opposition leaders often “manufacture a charismatic messiah,” only to have state security intervene to reinforce narratives of struggle.
“We, who love drama, fall for the ruse,” Akombe wrote, adding that such events mask behind‑the‑scenes cooperation between political elites once the cameras are off.
Her comments target Sifuna and a cadre of like‑minded politicians who have publicly opposed the concept of a broad‑based government and a pre‑coalition agreement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Those allies include Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Collectively, they have positioned themselves as critics of what they describe as undue proximity between the governing party and incumbent leadership.
Akombe, however, argues that the Kenyans paying attention are the ones losing out, as the focus on rallies and confrontation diverts public energy from urgent economic and social challenges.
“The kawaida citizen is on the menu,” she said, noting rising cost of living pressures and what she described as a political class that must share national resources among itself.
The former commissioner urged Kenyans to question political theatre and consider whether high‑profile confrontations actually yield policy change.
“Stop being gullible. The house always wins unless we turn the tables on them,” Akombe wrote, signalling growing frustration with both government and opposition strategy ahead of a pivotal election year.