Nairobi, December 4-Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has come under fire for his controversial remarks targeting government critics online, with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna leading the charge. Speaking on Radio Citizen, Sifuna condemned Joho’s threats against Kenyans exercising their freedom of speech, vowing to summon the CS to Parliament for an explanation.
“The government must learn to engage with its citizens respectfully. Threats are unnecessary and counterproductive. Joho will have to explain his statements targeting Kenyans online,” Sifuna said, emphasizing that such actions undermine constitutional freedoms.
The senator further reminded Joho of his role as a technocrat rather than a politician or governor, criticizing the tone and nature of his remarks. Despite Parliament heading into recess until February, Sifuna promised that the issue would remain on the agenda.
On December 3, Joho pledged to take action against those insulting the government on social media, a statement that sparked widespread outrage and prompted Sifuna’s response. The senator urged Kenyans to stand firm, assuring them that their voices matter.
“Don’t let anyone intimidate you. Speaking out is your right, and we need to focus on meaningful conversations to steer the country forward,” he said.
Sifuna also took aim at President William Ruto’s recent controversial remarks referring to critics of government initiatives as “pepo chafu” (evil spirits). He argued that Kenyans’ concerns about projects like Affordable Housing and the Adani-JKIA deal stem from a demand for transparency, not opposition.
“Transparency is key. People aren’t against development; they want clarity and accountability in the process,” Sifuna explained, while proposing amendments to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) law to ensure fair practices in future projects.
The senator’s proposed reforms include mandatory public announcements for new projects and the adoption of a “Swiss challenge” system to encourage competitive bidding. “We need to institutionalize transparency so whistleblowers don’t have to alert us about dubious dealings,” he added.
Sifuna’s remarks reflect growing concerns about government accountability and the need for respectful engagement with the public.
