Linda Mwananchi Movement’s head of communication Pauline Njoroge has challenged critics of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following his meeting with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing them of applying double standards in their criticism of political leaders.
In a statement shared on her social media on Wednesday, October 21, Pauline Njoroge questioned why some supporters of President William Ruto were condemning Sifuna for engaging Gachagua while continuing to back the administration over its handling of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
“I see broadbased bloggers declaring, ‘I have lost all respect for Sifuna because he met Rigathi Gachagua.’ Since when did you support Sifuna?” she posed.
Pauline accused the critics of overlooking allegations of abductions, killings and injuries involving young Kenyans during the protests while treating Sifuna’s meeting with Gachagua as unacceptable.
She also defended Gachagua’s record during the demonstrations, recalling that he publicly condemned the treatment of protesters while serving as Deputy President.
“When our young people were being brutalized, Gachagua who was the Deputy President held a press conference in Mombasa and publicly condemned what was happening,” she said.
Pauline maintained that the events of 2024 had shaped her political position, arguing that the government’s handling of the protests should remain central to discussions about political alliances.
“I keep saying that the bell rang in 2024. That is where we drew the line,” she stated.
Njoroge also contrasted Ruto and Gachagua’s positions on the Finance Bill 2024, which triggered nationwide protests before the President declined to assent to it following public opposition.
“Wasn’t it Ruto who pushed the Finance Bill, while Gachagua opposed it? Who defended the brutality unleashed on our young people, and who spoke out against it?” she asked.
Her remarks come after Sifuna and members of the Linda Mwananchi Movement met Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County, on Mashujaa Day, sparking debate over possible political cooperation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Njoroge further challenged critics who cite Gachagua’s past remarks about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, arguing that his record should be considered alongside Ruto’s own history of political differences with the veteran opposition leader.
“Spare us the selective outrage,” she said, accusing the President’s supporters of overlooking what she described as the administration’s disregard for the Constitution.
