Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has publicly defended the simplicity of his rural residence in Siaka Village, Bungoma County, amid criticism from fellow politicians. The modest home has attracted attention following Sifuna's increased political prominence.
Responding to remarks by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who questioned whether the house matched the status of a senator, Sifuna stated on Citizen TV that he is proud of the house he built in 2015 and has no plans to alter it to fit public expectations.
"I spend only about two weeks there during Christmas when I take my daughter to the village," Sifuna explained, emphasizing that the house meets its intended purpose and should not be judged by the standards of grand political residences.
He highlighted that personal values influence lifestyle choices, saying, "Some of us are built different; we are not attracted to flashy things and grandiosity." Sifuna also referenced his mentor Raila Odinga, pointing out the modesty of Odinga's homes both in Bondo and Karen compared to more extravagant properties owned by other politicians.
The senator acknowledged that some critics label him as "the poorest senator," but he remains comfortable with his chosen lifestyle. He dismissed the debate over his home as a distraction fueled by political opponents lacking substantive arguments.
"The fact that it's that house that people are discussing means they have run out of stories," he remarked, urging focus on upcoming election preparations rather than personal attacks.
