Political analyst George Diano has sharply rebuffed former IEBC commissioner Roselyn Akombe’s recent criticism of Edwin Sifuna, accusing her of pushing a “jealous and partisan narrative” that he says undermines genuine opposition mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Diano’s response came after Akombe described Sifuna’s Kitengela rally — which was disrupted by police with teargas — as a political “game” designed to distract ordinary Kenyans from pressing socio‑economic issues.
"The games being played, waaah. They “manufacture” a charismatic messiah, throw a few teargas canisters at him (yes it is often a him), present him as someone fighting power. We, who love drama, fall for the ruse. Punde si punde, they are on the same table, handshakes. The kawaida citizen is on the menu," Akombe stated.
In a statement circulated on social media on Monday, Diano dismissed Akombe’s commentary as motivated, misplaced, and personally biased.
“We are tired of this narrative,” Diano wrote. “You’re in charge of Maraga’s campaign, infact you’re the one handling his finances. You guys are forcing us to accept someone who isn’t even interested in being an MCA.”
The reference to Maraga reflects ongoing political conversations within opposition circles about leadership and candidate selection, though Diano did not elaborate on specific campaign roles.
Diano accused Akombe of speaking out of jealousy rather than principle, particularly over Sifuna’s rising profile.
“How can Sifuna rise this fast and Mzee — who can’t even convince his people in Kisii to turn up for a rally — is suddenly the standard bearer?” he asked, using a colloquial term that implies an elder politician.
The commentator also suggested that it is Akombe’s preferred candidates who are benefiting from government influence, not Sifuna.
“At this point I think it’s Maraga who’s being funded by the government to slow the movement,” Diano claimed. “But tuliwaonea 18 kitambo sana,” he added.