We Will Expose His Hypocrisy’: Sifuna Blasts Oparanya’s Hunt for Hustler Fund Defaulters
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has slammed Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya for targeting Hustler Fund defaulters, calling it a contradiction from his earlier position when he was in the opposition. Speaking during an interview on Spice FM, Sifuna questioned Oparanya’s shift in stance, pointing out that he had previously urged Kenyans not to repay the Fund, but has now reversed his opinion since joining the government.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has labeled Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya a hypocrite for his decision to target Hustler Fund defaulters, accusing him of contradicting his earlier stance. Sifuna recalled an instance at Kamukunji where Oparanya, then in opposition, urged Kenyans not to repay the Fund. He expressed surprise at Oparanya’s recent remarks, saying, “I was puzzled when I heard Oparanya say he’ll now go after those who haven’t repaid the Hustler Fund. I was with him at Kamukunji when he told people not to return the money. That is hypocrisy, and we will call him out on it. He cannot now turn around and demand repayment.”
Sifuna also warned former ODM members who have joined the government, including Treasury CS John Mbadi, that the opposition would closely scrutinize their actions. “Mbadi knows that if he tries to push harmful sections of the Finance Bill, we will oppose it. They knew what they were signing up for when they joined the government. They can expect, and should expect, rigorous oversight,” Sifuna added.
In response, CS Oparanya defended his shift in position during an interview on Citizen TV. After reviewing the details of the Hustler Fund upon assuming office, Oparanya now believes it can benefit small-scale traders. Rather than punishing defaulters, he stated that the government would engage local Chiefs to educate residents on the Fund’s value. “If we make it tough for them, how will they eat or run their businesses? That’s why we want to involve the Chiefs in conversations with the community,” Oparanya explained on September 5, 2024.
We Will Expose His Hypocrisy’: Sifuna Blasts Oparanya’s Hunt for Hustler Fund Defaulters
