Sifuna threatens to quit ODM if party backs Ruto in 2027

By Carren Waraba

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has declared that he will leave the party if it chooses to support President William Ruto's re-election bid in the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Sunday at an event in Sabaoti, Trans Nzoia County, Sifuna said that party loyalty should not override personal conviction, especially on matters as significant as endorsing a presidential candidate.

“I assure ODM supporters that my stance remains,” Sifuna said.

“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,” he added, referencing the party’s leader, Raila Odinga.

Some critics have labelled Sifuna an ODM rebel for his sustained criticism of Ruto’s government despite his party boss’s working agreement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance party, which bore the ‘broad-based’ government that saw top opposition figures appointed to government.

Sifuna on Sunday maintained that while he is willing to read and disseminate any statement ODM releases, no matter how controversial, he will not be the one to read a statement backing President Ruto’s candidacy.

“I am willing to read whatever statement ODM comes up with for dissemination, even if they were to insult me. But the day the party decides it wants to support Ruto come 2027, that one I will not read.”

“Some have said [Nyando MP] Jared Okelo is better than I am at it because he speaks good English; Okello, be ready if you want to take up my role. If they endorse Ruto, I won’t be a part of that.”

Sifuna has openly admitted that ODM has failed to put its house in order and it lacks ideological clarity, leaving members and supporters unsure about the party's stance on critical national issues.

He says the party no longer speaks with a single voice, blaming the formation of the ‘broad-based’ government agreement.

As a result, some of the party’s defenders have criticised Sifuna and called for his resignation. The former Prime Minister has, however, defended his party secretary-general, saying that while the Nairobi Senator is ODM’s official spokesperson, the lawmaker is also allowed to speak his mind in a personal capacity.