Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has warned that he will exit the party should it endorse President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, laying bare deepening internal rifts over the party’s ideological direction and its increasingly ambiguous relationship with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Speaking at a Sunday rally in Sabaoti, Trans Nzoia County, Sifuna issued a pointed rebuke to sections of the party leadership flirting with the idea of backing Ruto, declaring:
“That one I will not read.”
“I assure ODM supporters that my stance remains,” said the Nairobi Senator.
“Raila himself has said that this is a democratic party, and any member is free to speak their mind… yet some thugs are saying I cannot hold views independent of the party just because I am the secretary-general.”
Sifuna’s remarks come amid simmering discontent among ODM’s grassroots and mid-level leadership over what critics describe as a ‘co-opted’ opposition, one that has lost its ideological edge following a broad-based agreement that saw a handful of senior Azimio-affiliated figures appointed to President Ruto’s government.
A party adrift?
Sifuna’s threat of departure is the most public indication yet of mounting frustrations within ODM over what many perceive to be political drift and policy inconsistency.
The party, once the country’s most vocal opposition force, has been accused of abandoning its core tenets of social justice and state accountability in favour of political expediency.
In his speech, Sifuna acknowledged these concerns, saying ODM “no longer speaks with a single voice,” and that the party had “failed to put its house in order.”
While he reaffirmed his loyalty to the party’s official communications mandate. insisting he would “read whatever statement ODM comes up with, even if they were to insult me”. He made clear that support for Ruto was his personal red line.
The Raila question
The rift has placed party leader Raila Odinga in an increasingly precarious position. While Odinga has defended Sifuna’s right to express personal views, the party’s working relationship with Ruto’s administration, particularly around national unity and institutional reform, has sparked confusion over ODM’s role as opposition or partner.
Sifuna’s vocal opposition to the Ruto administration, particularly over its handling of youth protests and alleged democratic backsliding, has made him a polarising figure. Some within ODM’s ranks have labelled him a rebel and called for his resignation.
Others, including MPs like Jared Okelo, have been touted as potential successors to the secretary-general post—a suggestion Sifuna himself referenced, saying:
“If they endorse Ruto, I won’t be a part of that. Okelo, be ready if you want to take up my role.”
High stakes in 2027
The stakes for 2027 are rising as both ODM and Kenya Kwanza jostle for control of the political center. Ruto’s administration has stepped up its outreach to opposition strongholds, promising development projects and appointments in regions historically aligned with ODM, including Nyanza.
Interior PS Raymond Omollo recently told residents of Nyanza that supporting Ruto in 2027 would unlock “greater benefits” come 2032—comments interpreted by critics as an overt pitch to weaken ODM’s base.
Sifuna’s hardline stance may resonate with younger ODM supporters disillusioned with political compromise, but it also exposes the fragility of the party’s unity heading into a crucial election cycle.
For now, Raila Odinga remains the glue holding the party together.
But with no clear succession plan and rising internal tensions, the road to 2027 may be a bruising one for Kenya’s once-unshakable opposition force.
