Hon. Edwin Sifuna is, by all indications, a man who embraces simplicity. If the homestead that has been shared publicly is anything to go by, he has demonstrated that he is not the kind of politician obsessed with wealth, luxury, or an extravagant lifestyle.
During a recent television interview, the Nairobi County Senator revealed that he lives a simple life and even joked that his village home would make many people laugh. At the time, some dismissed his remarks as humour. However, recent images and discussions suggest he was being sincere. Sifuna also stated that if he were ever to become President and move into State House, he would still maintain the same village home. According to him, building a lavish mansion using public resources would amount to betraying the trust of Kenyans.
“Many people laugh at me because of that small simple house in Bungoma. I want to say it here again that should I become your president any day, don’t expect a change. If you get me owning a big house, know that I have started stealing your taxes,” he promised.
Many Kenyans have become accustomed to politicians displaying opulence through massive homes, fleets of luxury vehicles, choppers and extravagant lifestyles. For some people, that has become the standard by which they judge successful leaders. As a result, some young people mistakenly assume that a leader like Edwin Watenya Sifuna lacks ambition or good taste simply because he does not flaunt wealth. They don’t know that political leaders in developed countries live simple life. Many ride bicycle to and fro work.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has publicly criticised Sifuna over the size of his village house, even saying he could not look up to someone living that way. At the same time, some leaders from the Mumias area have publicly alleged that Salasya’s quick political rise and lavish homes were supported by sugar cartels. Those allegations remain matters of public debate and have not been proven in court.
For his part, Sifuna has consistently spoken about the influence of money in Kenyan politics. On several occasions, he has said that there is too much easy money circulating in politics and that he has personally been offered such money but has always declined because he does not want to engage in corruption.
It is true that some politicians appear to accumulate wealth very quickly, acquiring expensive cars, building luxurious homes, and travelling frequently within a short period after entering office. Critics argue that such rapid displays of wealth raise legitimate questions about the source of their riches. Others, however, maintain that any allegations of wrongdoing should be supported by evidence rather than speculation.
At the end of the day, Kenya needs leaders who value integrity, accountability, and prudent use of public resources. In my view, Edwin Sifuna represents those values, and that may be one of the reasons Raila Odinga had continued to entrust him with key responsibilities within the ODM Party.
It goes without saying that Kenyans most who appear ignorant on social media think rich and corrupt politicians are a good role model to the society. That they would rather have a rich corrupt leader than someone like Edwin Sifuna. This mentality is horrible and sounds pathetic!
