NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna isn’t buying into President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election prospects.
In fact, he believes the odds are stacked so high against the Kenya Kwanza administration that even Raila Odinga’s support wouldn’t be enough to secure a second term.
The outspoken lawmaker, who also serves as the Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), made it clear that the party has no interest in aligning with Ruto’s government, dismissing speculation that ODM might soften its stance.
Senator Edwin Sifuna: Even if ODM supports President Ruto in the 2027 elections, he will still lose. We will only form alliances with political parties that are like-minded and pro-people, not those that are incompetent #CitizenDayBreak @TrevorOmbija
“Even if ODM supports Ruto, he will still lose. As a party, we do not endorse how this country is being run—either domestically or internationally. William Ruto will lose that election, even with Raila’s backing,” Sifuna said during an interview on Citizen TV on Thursday.
ODM’s Growing Rift: To Join or Not to Join?
Sifuna’s comments come amid growing tensions within ODM over whether to engage with the Ruto-led administration.
Some members, including ODM-aligned Cabinet Secretaries and Members of Parliament, have openly pledged support for the government.
Others, however, remain firm in their opposition, arguing that ODM should focus on fielding its own presidential candidate in 2027.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati has been vocal about keeping the party’s independence intact, dismissing claims that ODM has cozied up to the government.
“We are not part of Kenya Kwanza. ODM remains committed to its values and principles, and our members should stick to our rules,” Arati stated.
Meanwhile, a faction within ODM has been openly critical of Ruto’s leadership, rejecting recent presidential appointments and accusing their colleagues of political opportunism.
Who Will ODM Align With?
As ODM navigates this political storm, Sifuna emphasized that any future alliances must align with the party’s core principles—namely, governance that prioritizes the people.
“ODM will only form coalitions with like-minded parties. We will not be forced into an alliance with a government that has proven itself the most incompetent since independence,” he asserted.
The debate over ODM’s political direction is far from over, but one thing is clear: the party is at a crossroads, and the choices made now could define Kenya’s 2027 election landscape.
