Willis Otieno praises Sifuna, Babu Owino for reading Kenyans’ frustrations correctly
By Charles Ouma, February 17, 2026Lawyer Willis Otieno has praised Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino for pushing back against President William Ruto’s regime and charting a new political path.
According to Otieno, the duo, along with several politicians backing them, read the public mood correctly and responded in a way that resonates with many Kenyans.
In a statement on X on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the lawyer noted that the Nairobi Senator and his Embakasi East Member of Parliament stand on the right side of history for their bold decision to confront the current direction of governance.
“The likes of Sifuna and Babu are reading the public mood correctly by pushing back against Ruto’s WANTAM trajectory. Many Kenyans are clearly frustrated and are looking for voices willing to confront the current direction of governance.
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“On that front, they stand on the right side of public sentiment. But resistance alone is not a political program.
What next beyond Wantam
According to Otieno, Babu Owino and Edwin Sifuna should extend the conversation beyond kicking Ruto out at the ballot and share what comes after that.
“Removing or opposing a regime cannot be the final destination; it must be the beginning of a clearly thought-out alternative,” he stated.
He advised the pair to focus on the solutions that they have for Kenyans including unemployment, governance, debt and the economy.
“Kenyans don’t just want the WANTAM journey stopped; they want to know what comes after it: the economic plan, the debt strategy, the jobs blueprint, the governance reforms,” he explained.
Consequences of failing to turn momentum into a solid agenda
He added that the current enthusiasm must crystallise into a tangible agenda that outlasts the wantam crusade.
“History has taught this country a painful lesson: that replacing leadership without replacing policy only resets the cycle of disappointment. The energy they are mobilising now must therefore evolve into an agenda, not just agitation, otherwise WANTAM will end… and confusion will begin.” Otieno added.