Nairobi Senator and Linda Mwananchi leader Edwin Sifuna has accused the administration of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Karen Campus of abruptly cancelling a student-organised forum and denying him entry to the institution.
Sifuna said he had travelled to the campus after being invited by the student leadership to attend the inaugural Law, Policy and Governance Forum, only to find that the event had been cancelled by the administration.
In a statement, the senator questioned the decision, saying there had been no indication that the forum would be called off before his arrival.
“We came to JKUAT Karen on the invitation of the student leadership for their Inaugural Law, Policy and Governance Forum but the Administration has abruptly ‘cancelled’ the event and denied us access to the institution,” Sifuna said.
He described the decision as “totally uncalled for”, although he did not provide further details on whether the university administration gave reasons for cancelling the event or restricting access.
The incident comes as Sifuna continues to expand his national political profile through the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has emerged as one of the opposition formations mobilising ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna has increasingly been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate within the movement.
On September 13, he publicly indicated that he was considering taking up a bigger political role and called for opposition leaders to work together ahead of the 2027 contest.
His profile has also received backing from senior figures within Linda Mwananchi. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi recently described Sifuna as the movement's presidential candidate, while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has publicly declared support for his 2027 presidential ambitions.
The Nairobi senator has also been involved in efforts to build cooperation among opposition leaders as different figures position themselves ahead of the presidential contest.
Sifuna has held consultations with several opposition figures as the wider opposition considers how to settle on a single presidential candidate.
Video of the scuffle at JKUAT:
The JKUAT incident therefore places Sifuna's growing political activities against the backdrop of increased national attention surrounding his role in Linda Mwananchi and his possible presidential bid.
For now, it remains unclear whether the university will issue a formal explanation for the cancellation of the forum or Sifuna's reported denial of access.