Nairobi, Kenya | September 17, 2026

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was on Thursday denied entry to the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Karen Campus, where he had been invited to address students at an inaugural Law, Policy and Governance Forum.

Sifuna had received an invitation from the Jomo Kenyatta University Students’ Association (JKUSA) to participate in the forum, which was scheduled to bring together students and guests for discussions on law, governance, public policy and the role of young people in national affairs.

However, when Sifuna and his delegation arrived at the campus, they were stopped at the gates after the university administration cancelled or postponed the forum. Student leaders said the administration was aware of the planned event and the panel discussion involving the senator.

Reports gave differing accounts of the reasons for the cancellation, with university officials reportedly citing administrative and security concerns. The circumstances surrounding the decision were not immediately fully explained publicly.

Sifuna criticised the decision, describing the cancellation and denial of access as uncalled for. He also linked the incident to what he described as a growing atmosphere of fear around people associated with him.

The senator further claimed that some people had previously faced consequences simply for being photographed with him. The claim was made by Sifuna and has not been independently established.

After spending some time outside the campus, Sifuna was eventually allowed into the institution, where he held a private meeting with university management. It remained unclear whether the student forum would be rescheduled.

The incident attracted political reactions, with some leaders criticising Sifuna and arguing that politicians should follow university procedures when attending events at institutions of higher learning.

The JKUAT incident comes as Sifuna continues his political activities through the Linda Mwananchi movement ahead of the 2027 General Election. He has been at the centre of the movement’s mobilisation activities in different parts of the country.

The confrontation has consequently drawn attention to the participation of politicians in student forums and the procedures governing political figures’ access to public universities.

Questions now remain over the precise circumstances behind the forum’s cancellation and whether the event will eventually take place. For the time being, Sifuna has returned to the political spotlight following the dispute at the JKUAT Karen Campus.