Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has thrown cold water on President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election prospects, arguing that even an endorsement from ODM leader Raila Odinga would not salvage Kenya Kwanza’s dwindling political fortunes.
Speaking on Citizen TV on Thursday, the outspoken Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General dismissed any possibility of his party backing the current administration, maintaining that Ruto’s government has failed Kenyans and lost public confidence.
“Even if ODM supports Ruto, he will still lose. As a party, we do not support either the internal or external affairs of how this country is being run. William Ruto will lose that election with Raila’s support,” Sifuna declared.
ODM’s Internal Rift Widens
Sifuna’s remarks come amid growing speculation that ODM could be warming up to the government following the formation of the broad-based government initiative. However, the party remains deeply divided.
On one side, a faction led by senior ODM figures, including Cabinet Secretaries and a section of Members of Parliament, has openly aligned itself with Ruto, fueling speculation of a silent handshake between the president and Odinga. This group has embraced government appointments and praised Ruto’s leadership.
On the other, hardliners like Sifuna and Kisii Governor Simba Arati insist that ODM remains in opposition. Arati has called on party members to reject any dalliance with Kenya Kwanza, dismissing claims of ODM’s cooperation with the ruling coalition.
“ODM will only enter into alliances with political parties that are like-minded, pro-people, and capable of managing the country. You are not going to force us into an alliance with incompetent people. It has been demonstrated that Kenya Kwanza is the most incompetent government since independence,” Sifuna added.
Ruto’s Re-Election Bid Faces Headwinds
With ODM at a crossroads, the larger question remains whether the party will chart its own course for 2027 or bow to the political realities of power-sharing. President Ruto, keen on securing a second term, has been making inroads into opposition strongholds, winning over key figures in ODM and Jubilee.
Meanwhile, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa are reportedly in talks over a potential 2027 coalition, further complicating the political matrix.
As Kenya’s political landscape continues to shift, all eyes remain on Raila Odinga and his next move. Will he stick to opposition politics, or will political pragmatism force him to realign? Either way, the road to 2027 is already shaping up to be a bruising battle.
