Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has threatened to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if the party chooses to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking during a recent political forum, Sifuna, who is also the ODM Secretary-General, expressed frustration over internal criticism following his remarks on the party’s future direction. He made it clear that he is not willing to align with President Ruto under any circumstance and would rather walk away from ODM if the party shifts in that direction.
Sifuna accused some party members of trying to silence him for expressing his personal views, despite ODM's leadership—including party leader Raila Odinga—insisting that the party embraces democracy.
“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, that I represent the party at all times,” Sifuna stated.
His comments follow growing speculation about potential political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections. With Raila Odinga focused on his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, questions have emerged about the direction ODM might take without him as its presidential candidate.
Sifuna’s strong reaction appears to be a warning to those within the party who might be considering a partnership with Ruto or his United Democratic Alliance (UDA). He maintained that his loyalty lies with the principles and policies that ODM has stood for, not with individuals or short-term political calculations.
The Nairobi senator emphasized that ODM should stick to its core values and warned that compromising those values for political convenience would only lead to the party’s downfall.
His remarks reflect growing internal tensions in ODM as it navigates a leadership transition and a shifting political landscape ahead of 2027.
For now, Sifuna remains part of the party’s top leadership, but his threat to exit signals deeper unrest within ODM ranks—especially if the party chooses a path that contradicts its long-standing opposition stance.
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