Nyamu's remarks are the latest in a series of escalating political exchanges between leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration and the opposition, as both camps intensify grassroots campaigns and public engagements ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Questioning Sifuna's political messaging, Nyamu claimed the Nairobi Senator had abandoned the ideals of a new generation of issue-based leadership by organizing what she described as a tribal homecoming.
"Wasn't Sifuna supposed to be the face of a new generation? Yet here he is, going to his tribesmen in Western Kenya for a homecoming. The same old tribal politics from the Moi era," Nyamu said.
Nyamu's comments came after Sifuna led the Linda Mwananchi movement on a political tour of Bungoma County, where he was joined by Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other opposition leaders.
The leaders received a rousing welcome from supporters, with residents lining major roads and filling the rally venue as the opposition intensified its campaign against the Kenya Kwanza administration. Throughout the rally, speakers criticized the high cost of living, unemployment, governance, taxation and what they described as the shrinking democratic space.
Addressing the packed gathering, Sifuna dismissed claims that his visit was intended to promote ethnic politics, saying the Linda Mwananchi movement was built on national issues affecting millions of Kenyans regardless of their ethnic background.
"We are not here because of tribe. We are here because Kenyans deserve better leadership, accountability and a government that listens to its people," Sifuna told the crowd.
The ODM Secretary-General said the opposition would continue touring every region of the country to engage wananchi on issues affecting their daily lives.
"Our movement belongs to every Kenyan regardless of tribe, religion or region. We are building a united country where leadership is judged by service, integrity and results—not ethnicity," he said.
Sifuna also urged supporters to reject divisive politics and instead focus on holding leaders accountable for delivering on their promises.
Governor James Orengo defended the opposition's nationwide tours, saying they were intended to give Kenyans a platform to express their frustrations over the country's economic and governance challenges.
"The voice of the people cannot be silenced. We will continue moving across the country because Kenyans have legitimate concerns that deserve to be heard," Orengo said.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino echoed the sentiment, maintaining that the Linda Mwananchi movement was not founded on ethnicity but on the desire to improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
"This is a movement for every Kenyan who believes in accountability, justice and better governance. We are united by our desire for a better country," Babu Owino said.
The Bungoma rally is part of a series of opposition rallies being held across the country under the Linda Mwananchi banner as leaders seek to build momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election. The movement has consistently centered its message on the rising cost of living, youth unemployment, corruption, constitutionalism and government accountability.
Nyamu's criticism has reignited debate over whether political homecomings reinforce ethnic mobilization or simply provide leaders with an opportunity to reconnect with their supporters. While Kenya Kwanza leaders have accused the opposition of resorting to tribal politics, opposition figures insist their rallies are issue-driven and aimed at building a national movement.
With political temperatures continuing to rise, both the government and the opposition are expected to intensify their campaigns in key regions, including Western Kenya, which is increasingly emerging as a crucial battleground in the race towards the 2027 General Election.
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