Speaking during a radio interview on Tuesday, May 12, Kioni said Sifuna fully understood the suffering that ordinary Kenyans were going through and embraced the symbolic campaign that used cooking pots to highlight the high cost of living.
Kioni explained that the movement was inspired by the struggles of families who could no longer afford to put food on the table.
“The only person I saw resonating with what was driving me in those maandamano was Sifuna,” Kioni said.
The former Ndaragwa MP revealed that before joining street demonstrations, opposition leaders held early morning strategy meetings to plan their activities.
According to him, both Sifuna and Raila Odinga were among the few leaders who showed genuine commitment to the cause.
“We would meet early in the morning before heading to the protests, and with Baba seated there, I could clearly see that the people who had truly woken up to push for change were Baba and Sifuna,” Kioni stated.
The Sufuria Movement became one of the most memorable symbols of the opposition protests that followed the 2022 General Election. Kioni was often seen balancing a sufuria on his head during rallies organized by the Azimio coalition.
The demonstrations intensified in 2023 after the government introduced the Finance Bill, which the opposition argued would worsen the burden on struggling households through increased taxes.
Kioni’s remarks come at a time when Sifuna continues to gain recognition as one of the most outspoken opposition leaders.
His firm criticism of government policies and active role in mobilizing supporters have earned him admiration from many within the opposition.
By praising Sifuna’s role, Kioni has reinforced the senator’s reputation as a leader who not only spoke against economic hardship but also stood with ordinary Kenyans during one of the country’s most significant protest movements.