Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has criticised Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli and Lagat over what he described as disgraceful conduct during the burial of senior police officer Lazarus Simiyu Opicho in Kitale on Friday, October 16, while promising Kenyans “true freedom” in 10 months.
In a statement posted on X, Sifuna said the Linda Mwananchi team had forgiven the two officials over the incident, adding that the group had nevertheless managed to address mourners during the funeral.
“As @LindaMwananchi_ team, we forgive the disgraceful conduct by DIG Gilbert Masengeli and Lagat at Opicho’s funeral in Kitale today. We still got to speak to the people,” Sifuna wrote.
Sifuna criticizes police conduct
The senator accused the government of creating an environment in which public servants fear the consequences of being seen to accommodate opposition leaders.
“I know many in public service are living in fear because we have a very petty regime in power. Being seen to ‘allow’ opposition leaders too much leeway can end careers,” he said.
Sifuna concluded his message with a promise of political change, saying, “My assurance is that in 10 months you will experience true freedom.”
Political change promised in 10 months
The remarks come as the Linda Mwananchi faction continues its political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Sifuna emerging as one of its prominent leaders.
The group has been engaging political leaders and aspirants in different parts of the country as opposition figures explore ways to consolidate their support ahead of the next electoral contest.
Earlier on Friday, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya hosted Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi leaders at his Milimani residence for consultations with political aspirants from the county.
The meeting focused on unity, inclusive leadership and building a common political front ahead of the elections.
Focus on unity ahead of elections
Opicho, who died on September 28, 2026, while receiving treatment at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, served as the commandant of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit under the Administration Police Service.
His burial brought together family members, friends, colleagues and political leaders in Kitale to pay their last respects to the veteran police officer.
Sifuna’s statement places the incident at the centre of renewed political debate over the treatment of opposition leaders and their access to public gatherings.
Debate on treatment of opposition leaders
However, his allegations about the conduct of the police officials and the circumstances surrounding the incident had not been independently established in the available reports.
The senator’s reference to 10 months also places his remarks in the run-up to the 2027 General Election, scheduled for August 2027, although he did not provide further details on the changes he expects to deliver.
