Journalist Kwamchetsi Makokha has challenged Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to go beyond his political charisma and public performances and explain the governing philosophy that would guide him if he ascended to greater political power.
In a pointed commentary, Makokha acknowledged Sifuna’s ability to command crowds, articulate political arguments and fiercely criticise those in power.
However, he argued that the senator’s growing political profile should come with greater scrutiny of his ideas, principles and ambitions.
Makokha drew attention to Sifuna’s repeated question to crowds, “Mnaniona vizuri?”—meaning “Can you see me properly?”—arguing that the question should invite Kenyans to look beyond the senator’s public image.
“Yes, Sifuna. We are looking. Are you prepared to let us examine what we see? Being visible is not the same as being transparent,” Makokha wrote.
The journalist described Sifuna as one of the most politically gifted performers of his generation, saying he understands how to generate laughter, anger and applause while engaging his opponents.
“The crowd sees the gestures, the smile, the confidence, the quick repartee and the rehearsed outrage. But what remains when the music stops and the microphones are switched off?” he posed.
According to Makokha, Sifuna’s communication skills are not inherently problematic because politics has always involved performance. The concern, he argued, arises when political performance begins to substitute for substantive policy positions.
Makokha questioned what Kenyans actually know about Sifuna beyond his ability to criticise government and rally supporters.
“Politics is not only the capacity to tell people what is wrong with their rulers. It is also the capacity to tell people what you would do differently — and what it would cost,” he said.
He argued that opposition politicians often enjoy a rhetorical advantage because they can demand accountability without having to demonstrate how they would manage the difficult compromises that come with exercising power.
Makokha therefore called for an audit of Sifuna’s political proposition, particularly on taxation, public debt, devolution, government spending and the role of the private sector.
He also questioned whether Sifuna has developed an independent political philosophy or is primarily inheriting a political tradition associated with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“What does he believe about the economy, devolution, the size and cost of government? About taxation, public debt and the place of the private sector? What does he believe about power?” Makokha asked.
The journalist further challenged Sifuna to demonstrate how he would respond when political interests collide with his principles, including situations involving allies or political opponents.
He also questioned whether the senator can accept criticism without viewing it as betrayal, defend the rights of unpopular opponents and acknowledge when his political side is wrong.
“Yes, Edwin. We are. We can see the politician, the performer. We can see the confidence and the ambition. We can see the political intelligence,” Makokha wrote.
However, he argued that one crucial question remains unanswered: whether there is a clear governing philosophy beneath Sifuna’s political performance.
Sifuna has increasingly emerged as a prominent figure among Kenya’s younger opposition politicians, with his public profile expanding as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.
Recent political appearances have further highlighted his ability to attract large crowds and command attention.