Ruto, Sifuna face off at George Oduor's burial

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has taken direct aim at President William Ruto, accusing him of failing to rein in government officials whose actions he says are stirring public outrage.

Speaking during George Oduor's burial, Sifuna criticised the handling of students in Nakuru, where learners were tear-gassed and blocked from performing a school play.

"Bishop has told us here that your work is very difficult, and I agree with him; sometimes I wonder how you sleep. But there are times, President, as the Swahili say ‘mwiba wa kujitakia hauwambiwi pole’. There are people in your government who keep making mistakes,” Sifuna said.

"Now, like this drama we’ve seen in Nakuru, where students are prohibited from performing, tear-gassed, or chased… that’s a self-inflicted wound. Those responsible for making your work harder, read them the riot act because we know your job is tough, so that they don’t make it harder,” he added.

But Ruto didn’t take the criticism lightly.

The Head of State warned Sifuna to tread carefully, hinting that as a founder member of ODM, he could choose to take radical political measures.

“I have heard Sifuna speaking forcefully. When you talk about my matters, come slowly Sifuna, know that I am the founder of ODM, so tread cautiously,” Ruto said.

The public exchange now adds another layer to the already strained relationship between the two leaders.