Sifuna: If ODM declares they are backing Ruto, I will not be part of it
By William Muthama, August 3, 2025Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has issued a strong warning to the party, insisting that he will not be part of the decision if the party decides to endorse President William Ruto’s re-election.
Speaking on Sunday, August 3, 2025, during a political function in Saboti, Trans Nzoia County, Sifuna said that his convictions would not allow him to support a candidate whose governance he has consistently opposed. The Nairobi senator insisted that party loyalty must never override an individual’s principles.
“I assure ODM supporters that my stance remains,” he declared. “Raila himself has said that this is a democratic party and any member is free to speak their mind. Yet some thugs claim I cannot hold independent views simply because I’m secretary-general.”
Sifuna emphasised his unwavering stance, declaring, “Ile siku ODM watasema ati wanaenda na Kasongo, hio siku siko ndani. Mimi siko ndani kabisa.”
Sifuna’s remarks come in the wake of growing speculation that ODM may formally align with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under the ‘broad-based’ government deal, which has seen some opposition figures join the current administration.
Fierce internal backlash
Critics within ODM have labelled Sifuna a rebel, accusing him of undermining party unity through his persistent criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The friction reflects wider tensions in the opposition party, which has struggled to maintain a unified voice since the March 2024 bipartisan talks led to a working relationship between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Ruto.
Sifuna, however, stood firm, saying he would never be the one to read a statement endorsing Ruto’s candidacy.
“I am willing to read whatever statement ODM releases, even if it insults me. But if they ever decide to support Ruto in 2027, I will not read that, and I will not be part of it,” he said.
He even challenged those eyeing his role to step up, sarcastically referencing Nyando MP Jared Okello, whom some believe is better suited due to his polished public speaking.
Leadership under fire
Sifuna further lamented that ODM had lost ideological direction, blaming the ‘broad-based’ government arrangement for creating confusion within party ranks. He said the party no longer speaks with one voice, leaving members and supporters unsure of its core positions.
Despite mounting pressure, ODM leader Raila Odinga has defended Sifuna, asserting that while the senator is the official party spokesperson, he is still entitled to express personal opinions.