# Sifuna Challenges Ruto on Freedom and Development

> Nairobi Senator Sifuna counters President Ruto's claim that freedom without development is meaningless.
- Title: Sifuna Challenges Ruto on Freedom and Development · Allafrica
- Summary: Nairobi Senator Sifuna counters President Ruto's claim that freedom without development is meaningless. Nairobi Senator Sifuna argues fundamental rights must…
- Keywords: kenya, sifuna, ruto, president, senator, bill of rights, development, freedom, democracy, general election, kenyan politics, news
- Source: Allafrica — https://allafrica.com/stories/202610190122.html
- Published: 2026-10-19T09:18:07+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kenya, sifuna, ruto, president, senator, bill of rights, development, freedom, democracy, general election, kenyan politics, news
## Sifuna challenges Ruto
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna challenges President William Ruto's claim that freedom and democracy are meaningless without development.

> It's actually the other way round Mr. President. There is a reason the right to life and the fundamental freedoms come first in the Bill of Rights
## Sifuna's constitutional argument
Sifuna insists the right to life and fundamental freedoms are prioritised in the Constitution's Bill of Rights for a reason.
## Sifuna cites deaths
Sifuna references the deaths of Rex Maasai and Albert Ojwang to argue Kenyans want a free and democratic country with protected rights.

> More than anything else we want to live in a free and democratic country because in the dark of the grave where you put Rex Maasai and Albert Ojwang, you can't see shiny things
## Ruto's development stance
President Ruto argued that freedom and democracy must deliver tangible improvements in citizens' lives during a church service in Kapsabet on October 18, 2026.
## Key takeaway

Nairobi Senator Sifuna argues fundamental rights must precede development in Kenya's governance.