Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has boldly declared that President William Ruto will fail in his bid for re-election in 2027, even if opposition leader Raila Odinga were to support him. Speaking on Citizen TV on Thursday, Sifuna criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration, citing incompetence and loss of public confidence as key factors that will lead to Ruto’s downfall.
Sifuna, who also serves as the Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), emphasized that the party does not endorse the way Kenya is currently being governed. He dismissed speculations that ODM was warming up to Ruto’s administration, asserting that the party will remain steadfast in its principles and align itself only with like-minded political groups.
“Even if ODM supports Ruto, he will still lose. As a party, we do not support either the internal affairs or the external affairs of the way this country is being run. William Ruto will lose that election with Raila’s support,” Sifuna said.
His comments come amid growing speculation that ODM is aligning itself with the ruling government following the formation of a broad-based administration. However, ODM’s Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati has refuted these claims, affirming that the party remains in opposition. Arati has urged ODM members to adhere to the party’s rules and stand against any form of political compromise.
ODM is currently experiencing internal divisions over its stance on President Ruto’s leadership. A faction within the party believes ODM should focus on reclaiming the presidency in 2027 and has openly criticized those who have accepted appointments in the Kenya Kwanza government. This group views such members as betraying ODM’s ideology and engaging in sycophancy rather than advocating for the people’s interests.
On the other hand, several ODM Cabinet Secretaries and Members of Parliament have openly declared their support for Ruto’s administration, creating uncertainty about the party’s unity. This growing rift has raised concerns about ODM’s future and whether it can maintain a united front in the next general election.
Sifuna’s remarks add to the ongoing debate about ODM’s political trajectory and whether it will forge new alliances ahead of 2027. As the country edges closer to the next elections, it remains to be seen how ODM will navigate the delicate balance between opposing the government and managing internal party divisions.
