SABAOTI— Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has threatened to quit the party if it chooses to back President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027. Addressing a crowd on Sunday during a local event in Trans Nzoia County, Senator Edwin Sifuna stated that personal conviction must come before blind loyalty to political decisions that go against core values. He said any plan to align ODM with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) would not have his support.
“I assure ODM supporters that my stance remains,” Senator Sifuna said. “Raila himself has said this is a democratic party, and every member can speak freely. But now some people are saying I cannot have an independent opinion because I’m secretary-general. That’s not democracy.”
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna’s remarks come amid growing speculation that ODM may support Ruto’s second-term bid under the ongoing ‘broad-based’ government arrangement. That coalition has placed top opposition leaders in strategic government positions, drawing criticism from ODM loyalists who view it as a betrayal of the party’s principles.
Nairobi Senator Sifuna said he is ready to deliver any party statement even one critical of himself but he drew the line at reading a statement endorsing President Ruto.
“I am willing to read whatever ODM writes, even if it insults me. But the day this party declares support for Ruto in 2027, I will not be the one to read that,” Edwin Sifuna said firmly. “If they want someone else to do it, Jared Okelo is free to take over. I won’t participate.”
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna also warned that ODM’s internal confusion has alienated many supporters. Sifuna blamed the informal power-sharing agreement with the ruling coalition for weakening the party’s voice and direction. “This party used to stand for something,” Senator Sifuna said. “Now we don’t speak with one voice. People don’t know where we stand anymore.”
Critics within ODM have accused ODM SG Sifuna of insubordination and demanded his resignation. However, party leader Raila Odinga has defended him, saying Sifuna has the right to share his personal opinions while still fulfilling his official duties.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna’s warning adds to the political uncertainty surrounding ODM’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections. While Raila Odinga has remained silent and pledged support for the broad based government , his allies’ engagement with the current administration continues to fuel speculation.
As internal tensions grow, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna’s defiance signals deeper rifts within ODM, setting the stage for a possible showdown over the party’s future path.
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