Sifuna denied entry to JKUAT Karen Campus
Sifuna said he had travelled to the campus at the invitation of student leaders to attend the inaugural Law, Policy and Governance Forum, organised by the Jomo Kenyatta University Students’ Association (JKUSA), only to find the event had been called off and his delegation denied access.
Nairobi Senator and the Linda Mwananchi Movement 2027 presidential hopeful Edwin Sifuna was on Thursday, September 17, 2026 denied entry to the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Karen Campus after the university administration cancelled a student forum he had been invited to address.
Sifuna said he had travelled to the campus at the invitation of student leaders to attend the inaugural Law, Policy and Governance Forum, organised by the Jomo Kenyatta University Students’ Association (JKUSA), only to find the event had been called off and his delegation denied access.
“We came to JKUAT Karen on the invitation of the student leadership for their Inaugural Law, Policy and Governance forum, but the Administration has abruptly ‘cancelled’ the event and denied us access to the institution. Totally uncalled for,” Sifuna said in a post on X.
The forum was expected to provide students and invited guests with an opportunity to discuss law, governance and public policy.
Speaking to journalists outside the campus, Sifuna questioned why the engagement had been cancelled, insisting that his visit was not intended to be a political rally.
“They don’t believe it because I have not come here for a rally,” he said, arguing that politicians should be able to engage young people on issues beyond partisan politics.
“We can actually just come and have conversations about even the weather. We can talk about anything, including what you guys like to have for lunch,” he added.
A video shared by Sifuna showed a university official addressing students gathered outside the campus, led by campus Governor Mboya, and explaining the postponement.
The official cited concerns over possible student unrest and said the participants would be invited back at a later date.
“We don’t want students to cause problems. We have postponed the meeting, then we will invite them again,” the official said.
Sifuna later described the incident as evidence of what he termed a climate of fear surrounding public engagements.
“Bwana there is just fear everywhere, but a bold new generation must rise up and reclaim their country. This is why we continue to preach the values in the preamble of our Constitution, most importantly, freedom,” he said.
The Senator thanked Mboya and the student leadership for the invitation and said he would host them at the Senate instead.
“I’ll be returning the courtesy by inviting you and your fellow students to the Senate so that the conversation can continue. God bless!” Sifuna said.
