TRANS NZOIA, Kenya — The 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 campaign in the 2027 general election.
Sifuna made the announcement on Sunday at an event in Sabaoti, Trans Nzoia County, stating that party loyalty should not override personal conviction, particularly on a matter as significant as endorsing a presidential candidate.
“I assure ODM supporters that my stance remains,” Sifuna said.
He also referenced the party’s leader, Raila Odinga, to justify his independent views. “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.
Sifuna has been labeled an “ODM rebel” by some critics for his sustained criticism of the Ruto government, despite his party boss’s working agreement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. This alliance led to a “broad-based” government where top opposition figures were appointed to state positions.
On Sunday, Sifuna reiterated that while he is willing to read and disseminate any statement the ODM releases, regardless of its controversial nature, 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.”
He then humorously added, “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.”
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Sifuna has openly stated that he believes ODM has failed to maintain internal order and lacks ideological clarity, leaving its members and supporters confused about the party’s stance on crucial national issues.
He attributed this to the formation of the “broad-based” government agreement, which he says has fractured the party’s single voice. In response to his criticisms, some party defenders have called for his resignation.
However, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has defended his secretary-general, clarifying that while Sifuna serves as the official spokesperson for ODM, the Nairobi Senator is also permitted to express his personal opinions.
