Sifuna: If Matiang’i is going to help us remove Ruto, so be it
By Cy Muganda, July 23, 2025ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has adopted a pragmatic approach toward potential party alliances for the 2027 presidential race, stating that removing President William Ruto from power takes precedence over personal preferences or political sentiment.
Speaking during an interview on a local media station on July 22, 2025, Sifuna explained that while ODM is capable of fronting its own candidate, including himself, the broader objective is to dislodge Ruto from power — regardless of who leads the charge.
“ODM has not run out of leaders. ODM has not run out of the ability to produce presidential candidates. So why are you sending me there? You should have started with my own political party,” Sifuna said.
“But I will tell you this, my view about 2027 is that there will be no room for sentiment. The project of removing William Ruto does not allow for sentiment,” Sifuna declared.
2027 elections
The Nairobi Senator further underscored the importance of scrutinising the records of all those seeking political offices in the 2027 general elections, noting that the 2022 election taught the opposition hard lessons about overlooking candidates’ histories.
“I am happy that everybody who has declared to be president is being examined on their record. It’s being examined on their record and their history. And this is the thing that we missed out in 2022. Because they say a leopard never changes its spots,” he stated.
Addressing questions about former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions, Sifuna acknowledged Matiang’i’s shortcomings but expressed his willingness to accept his involvement if it contributes to the goal of unseating the current government.
“We will not work with angels. Even Sifuna is not an angel. I have my faults. I’m not a perfect human being, but the national priority project of removing William Ruto does not allow for sentiment,” he reiterated.
“… So, examine the history of everyone. Fred Matiangi has his faults. But, if he’s going to help us remove William Ruto, so be it,” he added.