A speech by President William Ruto about the political consequences of disciplinary action within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has resurfaced online, drawing renewed attention as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna faces mounting tensions within the party.
The undated clip, widely shared on social media, captures Ruto reflecting on his own fallout with ODM more than a decade ago. Speaking in Swahili, he suggests that receiving a disciplinary letter from the party can mark the beginning rather than the end of a politician’s rise.
“Na ukiona umepatiwa barua kwa ODM, unajua mambo yako sasa ndio imeanza kuiva,” Ruto says.
He continues:
“Kabla hujapata barua ya ODM, mambo yako bado.”
Ruto argues that politicians who navigate internal party disputes effectively can emerge stronger. Drawing on his own experience, he recalled ODM’s unsuccessful attempts to discipline and expel him before he later became Deputy President.
“Hata mimi nilipelekwa kortini na ODM wakajaribu kunifukuza, tukasumbuana kortini miaka tano ikaisha tukaendelea mimi nikakua Deputy President,” he says.
“That’s the journey of a leader,” he adds.
The remarks have gained fresh attention as ODM grapples with internal divisions following the death of party leader Raila Odinga in October 2025. Many online commentators have drawn comparisons between Ruto’s political journey and the challenges now confronting Sifuna.
The similarities, however, are political rather than predictive. Ruto’s comments were made years before Sifuna’s current dispute and do not suggest he foresaw the senator’s circumstances. Instead, the speech has been revived because some supporters see echoes of Ruto’s experience in Sifuna’s growing national profile.
Ruto recalls ODM fallout that preceded his rise
Ruto was among ODM’s founding members before relations with Raila deteriorated in the lead-up to the 2013 General Election. The disagreement centred on the party’s leadership and presidential ambitions, with both men pursuing national political ambitions.
The fallout deepened after attempts to suspend Ruto as Agriculture Minister and amid disagreements over the support he received from sections of ODM while facing charges before the International Criminal Court over the 2007–08 post-election violence. Ruto and his allies eventually left ODM and joined forces with Uhuru Kenyatta under the Jubilee coalition, winning the 2013 presidential election and elevating Ruto to Deputy President.
Sifuna’s criticism of ODM leadership fuels internal rift
Sifuna’s difficulties within ODM have followed a different path. The Nairobi senator has openly criticised the party’s broad-based cooperation with President Ruto’s administration, arguing that the arrangement weakens ODM’s role as the country’s main opposition.
He has since emerged as one of the government’s most outspoken critics, championing youth-led calls for political reform and promoting the Linda Mwananchi initiative through rallies held beyond ODM’s traditional strongholds.
His position has put him at odds with sections of the party leadership, including the Linda Ground faction associated with Oburu Oginga.
The disagreements culminated in Sifuna’s removal as ODM Secretary-General and his dismissal as Deputy Minority Whip in the Senate. Those developments have coincided with a rise in his national political profile, with supporters increasingly portraying him as an independent opposition voice ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Old speech gains new relevance amid ODM realignment
Whether Sifuna ultimately follows a path similar to Ruto’s remains uncertain. What is clear is that an old speech, delivered years before the current political realignment, has found a new audience as Kenya’s opposition continues to wrestle with its future.
About the Author
