In a striking display of grassroots support, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna became an unexpected focal point during the HSBC SVNS 2 — part of the World Rugby Sevens Series** Division 2 tournament — held at Nyayo National Stadium** on Saturday, 14 February 2026.

Amid the high-energy rugby action, thousands of fans in the terrace sections spontaneously broke into coordinated chants of “Sifuna! Sifuna!”, turning sections of the stadium into a vocal show of solidarity for the politician.

Read Also
Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics
Cup pressure peaks as Shabana host Kenya Police in blockbuster quarter-final Football
Upper Hill coach Walgwe unperturbed despite drawing giants in Prescott Cup group phase Rugby

Videos circulating online captured the moment, with rhythmic chants at times drowning out the on-field commentary.

Supporters described the atmosphere as electric. One viral clip dubbed Sifuna “the new sheriff in town” and featured chants of “Huyu ni wetu” (This one is ours), underscoring the emotional intensity of the crowd.

Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans
×

The Political Backdrop Behind the Chants

The stadium chants came just days after internal tensions rocked the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where Sifuna serves as Secretary General.

On 11 February 2026, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), led by Chairperson Gladys Wanga and veteran politician Oburu Odinga, reportedly resolved to remove him from his position, citing concerns over party discipline and alleged resistance to certain alignments within the ruling coalition.

Sifuna has rejected the move, insisting that he remains the legitimately elected Secretary General. He has framed the attempted ouster as an effort to sideline leaders who are openly critical of government policy.

ALSO READ: Edwin Sifuna: The 2 Hilarious Reasons I Never Argue With My Wife

The decision sparked widespread debate within political circles, with allies such as Ida Odinga publicly defending him and questioning the motives behind the decision.

Online, supporters rallied behind slogans such as “Mimi Ndio Sifuna” (I am Sifuna) and the hashtag #SisiNdioSifuna, with some even composing songs in his honour. The chants at Nyayo Stadium appeared to be a spontaneous extension of that digital momentum, transforming a sporting event into a platform for political expression.

Notably, President William Ruto was present at the tournament, having encouraged Kenyans to turn out in support of the event. His attendance added a symbolic layer to the crowd’s vocal backing of a prominent opposition figure.

Edwin Sifuna//Instagram

Reactions and Online Buzz

Social media platforms were quickly flooded with clips and commentary following the incident.

  • Some users described the moment as proof that “Sifuna is now a movement.”

  • Others highlighted the irony of the chants taking place in President Ruto’s presence, suggesting the spectacle carried political weight beyond the stadium.

  • Viral posts on X, Facebook and TikTok amplified the moment, with some describing it as a “revolt” from the terraces.

The episode once again underscored rugby’s role in Kenya as more than just sport. Stadiums have often doubled as spaces where national sentiment, frustration and political expression converge.