Cheruiyot under fire over ‘Tandika Katiba’ jibe at Sifuna

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 2 — Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has drawn criticism after telling Linda Mwananchi Movement leader Edwin Sifuna to spread the Constitution on a poor road so he could drive over it. Cheruiyot’s response in a Sunday night social media exchange sparked debate over his apparent mockery of the country’s supreme law, with many users criticising the remark.

The UDA lawmaker made the remark, “Tandika katiba upitie juu” (Spread the Constitution so you can drive over it), in response to a post by Sifuna highlighting the difficult road conditions along the route from Kinango towards Kwale town. Tandika katiba upitie juu…. Aaron Cheruiyot (@Aaroncheruiyot) November 1, 2026 Cheruiyot’s response drew criticism from social media users, with some questioning why a senior elected leader would make light of the Constitution, which provides the framework for governance and public accountability.

Chris Sambu questioned the appropriateness of the remark. “This is an elected leader in the Republic of Kenya trashing and belittling the Kenyan Constitution. I do not understand Kenyan politicians at all. Of all things, Aaron, you think, this is supposed to be funny?” he posed. Other reactions reflected political frustration, with some users turning the exchange into criticism of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the wider political establishment.

One user, writing as Sifunation, responded with a play on Cheruiyot’s words: “Tutaitandika na tutapita juu” (We shall spread it and drive over it), while Michael Lukaho suggested that remarks by UDA politicians could have political consequences for President William Ruto. The exchange has also brought renewed attention to the condition of the Kinango–Kwale road, which Sifuna had highlighted during his engagements in the coastal county.

Cheruiyot’s post did not directly address the road conditions raised by Sifuna. Sifuna’s Kwale tour formed part of Linda Mwananchi’s nationwide mobilisation drive following the unveiling of its proposed leadership team in Nairobi, as the movement seeks to establish grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 General Election. The movement plans to hold its National Delegates Convention (NDC) on November 13 to formalise the leadership structure, with Sifuna announcing an ambitious target of establishing offices in all 47 counties by the end of November.

The Nairobi Senator said the movement would begin its county-level mobilisation in Kwale, claiming it already had county chairpersons from 38 counties, many of whom had previously been affiliated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).