Nzoia Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Collins Chapurukha has urged President William Ruto to take tough action against opposition leaders, arguing that they have been given too much freedom to criticise the government.

Speaking on Tuesday, October 27, in Nzoia Ward, Likuyani Constituency, Kakamega County, Chapurukha called for the arrest and imprisonment of opposition politicians, specifically mentioning Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

According to a report published by TUKO on Wednesday, October 28, the MCA argued that opposition leaders were taking advantage of the freedom they enjoy under the current administration.

“You have given them enough freedom. They should be in jail as of today,” Chapurukha told the President.

The MCA further stated that he would not tolerate what he described as insults from opposition politicians, singling out Sifuna in his remarks.

“If I were the president, all opposition leaders would be in jail as I speak. I can't allow someone like Sifuna to abuse me,” he said.

Chapurukha also defended Ruto's administration, claiming that the President was working hard to improve the country's development but was facing persistent criticism from his political opponents.

He accused opposition leaders of misleading Kenyans about the government's performance, insisting that their criticism overlooked the progress being made in different parts of the country.

To strengthen his argument, the MCA compared Kenya's political environment with those of neighbouring Uganda and Tanzania, where opposition figures have faced arrests and treason-related charges.

He cited the cases involving Ugandan opposition figure Bobi Wine and Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu while arguing that Kenyan opposition politicians continued to enjoy considerable freedom.

However, his remarks are likely to attract debate over the role of the opposition in a democratic society, where political leaders have the right to scrutinise government policies and hold those in power accountable within the law.

The MCA also praised development projects in his ward, pointing to affordable housing initiatives, the ongoing tarmacking of the Matunda-Brigadier road and what he described as growing investor interest in the country.

He attributed the developments to Ruto's leadership, arguing that the opposition was failing to recognise the government's achievements.

“Investors are coming to invest in our country because of President Ruto, but the opposition cannot see. I urge President Ruto to arrest anyone who has a negative thought,” Chapurukha said.

His call comes amid heightened political activity as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sifuna has remained a prominent voice in opposition politics, frequently criticising the government and participating in efforts to mobilise political support.

The remarks have also drawn attention because of the growing political debate surrounding the emerging Linda Mwananchi movement, whose launch is expected on Friday, October 30, according to the information provided.

However, Chapurukha's statements represent his personal political position and should not be interpreted as an official directive from President Ruto or the State House.

As of the time of the report, no official response from State House had been indicated, and Sifuna had not publicly responded to the MCA's remarks.

The comments are likely to fuel further discussion about the limits of political criticism, freedom of expression and the treatment of opposition leaders as Kenya approaches another election cycle.