NAIROBI, Kenya — ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has categorically ruled out supporting President William Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 General Election, distancing himself from growing voices within his party advocating closer cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking in an interview with Citizen TV, Sifuna — who also serves as Nairobi Senator — said he does not see President Ruto securing a second term, making it clear that his personal political stance remains unchanged despite internal debates within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The remarks come amid visible divisions in ODM, with one faction openly signalling readiness to support Ruto’s re-election, while another remains firmly opposed to any political alignment with the ruling coalition.
Asked to clarify his position, Sifuna was unequivocal.
“You know where I belong, mimi ni wa One Term, proudly so,” he said.
ODM Has Not Endorsed Ruto
Sifuna stressed that ODM has not made any official decision to back President Ruto in 2027, noting that ongoing engagements with other political formations should not be misinterpreted as endorsements.
“This is why the Central Committee said they will talk with different political formations, that is the position of the party,” he said.
He acknowledged the existence of divergent views within ODM, describing them as a natural outcome of democratic politics.
“Democracy dictates that people have views on things. I cannot begrudge anyone who thinks that supporting Ruto is the best thing,” he said.
Sifuna added that some leaders have openly declared their preferred political direction, which he said is consistent with democratic norms.
“And I like some of them by the way because they have come out boldly to say after Raila Odinga died, my party leader is so and so. They have said it openly, and it is what democracy requires. I cannot begrudge you for taking that position, but also, do not feel bad when people take positions that are opposed to yours.”
Ideology Over Intimidation
The ODM Secretary General argued that his party remains ideologically robust and capable of winning national debates on governance, values and the country’s future direction.
“If we go argument to argument, I believe we will win every argument on values, ideologies on where the country needs to go,” he said.
However, he warned against the use of violence and intimidation in political competition, saying such tactics signal the absence of persuasive ideas.
“There is only one argument they are saying is remaining and that is violence. We know that violence is the language of someone who has lost the argument. All they do is just threaten, we will beat you, we will kick you out,” Sifuna said.
Calling for issue-based engagement, he added:
“Let us have a session where we persuade each other. You tell me this is the best deal.”
ODM’s presidential tradition
Sifuna also underscored ODM’s historical role as a party that consistently fields presidential candidates and builds alliances to win power.
“We are a party that has presented a presidential candidate in all elections since it was formed,” he said.
“We have been the party which has been persuading other political parties. Raila persuaded 26 political formations, all of which were formed to win power, to support him in 2022.”
Also Read: Edwin Sifuna threatens to quit ODM if party supports Ruto in 2027
Pressed on whether he would change his stance if ODM eventually entered into a pre-election pact with President Ruto, Sifuna maintained that his personal position would remain firm.
“I will still not support him. Voting is secret, and nobody can compel me to vote for Ruto,” he said.
Drawing from public sentiment across several regions, Sifuna argued that the President faces significant challenges in seeking re-election.
“Listening to people in Western, Coast, North Eastern and other parts of the country, I do not see a path to power for William Ruto,” he said.
