School dropout vs PhD? Kenyans react to Edwin Sifuna, Oscar Sudi's bitter clash

Kenyans have reacted to a heated exchange between Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over education credentials.

The clash started on Thursday during a morning show on Citizen TV when Sifuna questioned why President William Ruto, a PhD holder, associated closely with Sudi, whom he called a school dropout.

"He (Ruto) told us that he has a PhD and nobody should lecture him on anything,” said Sifuna. “I have never seen a PhD holder who hangs out with a class two dropout.”

“Because what you do, then, is you reduce the average intelligence to at least class eight. They say birds of a feather flock together, how are you a PhD holder hanging out with Sudi?” Sifuna asked.

Sudi fired back in a viral video, dismissing Sifuna’s remarks. He said intelligence is not measured by formal education.

“Can you compare me with you Sifuna?” Sudi posed. “You know my IQ and your IQ, it’s not even a quarter. So look for someone you can compare yourself with, but not me, I’m in another class. Not because I’m bragging. You don’t have even a quarter of my knowledge.”

Sudi added: “Ask your friends, tell them to tell you the truth; you don’t even reason like a high school dropout, let alone a second-grade one. It’s not about school; it’s about skills. It’s not about a PhD; it’s about calculations. As long as you can speak, think, see, and smell, I don’t think you have any of those things.”

Sifuna, while education is undeniably important, effective leadership requires more than just academic credentials. It's a blend of intelligence and inherent qualities, something that Wamunyoro's lapdog doesn't seem to fathom. pic.twitter.com/DBgBMwDLdK

The remarks sparked mixed reactions from Kenyans online.

Willis Evans Otieno asked, "Sudi, kindly enlighten me, which 'class' are you referring to? Because, by all available evidence, you have never set foot in any."

George Tsitati said, "You are so heavy on local political verbiage. But as far as intellectual luggage is concerned, you have always travelled lightly."

One X user wrote, "Sudi, you're miles apart from Sifuna when it comes to IQ. You can't claim to be better in any given perspective to Sifuna, yet you can't express yourself well in the very language you tweet eloquently. Unless you only schooled written English."

Alvin Kanindo found the exchange amusing, saying, "Politics is hilarious—Sudi is responding by actually confirming the statement!"

Gerald Ngaruchi warned Sudi against attacking Sifuna too soon, saying, "It’s too early to start badmouthing Sifuna. He will still come back and support the president more than you, Hon. Sudi. Don’t gatekeep too much. Let people fight for their worth and get the right recognition."

Bon Nalugala dismissed education as a sign of good leadership, saying, "Education only seems to help them write good English. Other than making good speeches, they are just useless and have no strategy to move Kenya forward."

Dan Mithika questioned Sudi’s competence, saying, "You have said 'SKILLS'. Are you sure you possess any worthy skills that can benefit this country? Are those skills applicable in the National Assembly, on the floor of the house, in any parliamentary committee, or anywhere as a legislator? Sometimes, truth needs to be told."

Maxwell supported Sudi, saying, "I'm a pro-Sifuna, but here I stand with Sudi. Sifuna’s academic credentials in matters of leadership and performance don’t work here. A PhD holder is not necessarily better."

Kip Kip praised Sudi’s achievements despite his educational background, writing, "If Hon. Sudi never attended a single class yet maneuvered his way to success, he is truly brilliant. Compared to Hon. Sifuna, it shows different paths can lead to achievement."

Dennis Menjo compared their performance, saying, "Whatever Oscar Sudi has achieved, to be honest, you can't compare it to Sifuna. Sudi is far ahead of the first-term senator. Visit Kapseret constituency before making comparisons. Sifuna has not helped Nairobi County but just goes to TV for interviews."