Nairobi – Edwin Sifuna, the outspoken Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has drawn a firm line in the sand.
“If the party formally supports Ruto in 2027, I will resign,” he told Citizen TV in a candid Tuesday morning interview. “I have not resigned yet because I still believe there’s a glimmer of hope – that ODM will see this merger for what it is and return to defend the people.”
His words come as speculation grows around the political future of ODM, following its warming ties with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). A potential alliance between the two parties has triggered a storm of criticism, especially from ODM’s traditional support base.
Sifuna, who also serves as Nairobi Senator, made it clear he opposes any formal deal with Ruto. He accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to uphold the Constitution, saying the government had “abandoned the promises it made to the people.”
“The Constitution’s preamble is clear,” he said. “The government must protect, respect and uphold it. But that’s not what’s happening.”
He was particularly scathing about recent attempts by some ODM politicians — now aligned with the government — to amend Article 37 of the Constitution. The article protects the right to protest.
“These are the same people who marched in the streets with us in 2023,” Sifuna said. “We were teargassed and beaten together. How can they now argue that protests are dangerous?”
According to Sifuna, those ODM figures who accepted government positions did so without the party’s consent.
“They were invited individually by the President. The party organs were never consulted. These appointments do not carry the ODM stamp,” he said.
Still, Sifuna struck a note of caution and appeal. He urged those in government to reflect on the party’s founding principles.
“ODM was built on the values of justice, equity, and people’s rights. If they still believe in those things, then they must act like it — even in government,” he added.
While ODM has not made a formal declaration of support for President Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections, the silence from its top leadership has left many supporters uneasy. Sifuna’s statement appears to be both a warning and a call to action — aimed not just at party bosses, but at the grassroots as well.
For now, Sifuna is staying put. But his message is unmistakable: if ODM crosses a line, he won’t be crossing it with them.
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