The Fall of a Giant: How ODM Abandoned Its Opposition Legacy
Editor’s note: In this piece, Billy Mijungu, a practitioner in public policy, governance, and political leadership, delivers a searing critique of ODM’s recent political posture. Using the example of Edwin Sifuna’s evolving role, Mijungu contends that the party has traded its revolutionary legacy for calculated survivalism. He challenges readers to examine what this shift means for Kenya’s democratic future and the integrity of opposition politics ahead of 2027.
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The orange has matured beyond its original state. The orange is decaying internally. Yesterday, ODM's pronouncements, delivered with calculated calm by Edwin Sifuna, signalled not just a shift. They confirmed a profound betrayal.
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We now reside in a Kenya where even the most vociferous voices of opposition align themselves with expediency. The once vibrant centre of opposition politics, ODM, has become adept at simultaneously dancing to two different songs. The first song is one of resistance, while the other is one of quiet compliance.
Edwin Sifuna, the eloquent and electric secretary general, demonstrated yesterday that he has also succumbed to the temptation of political survival. Edwin Sifuna has transformed, or perhaps regressed, into what this country excels at producing: a politician who can adapt to any situation, even when it turns against the people.
Sifuna is no longer the ideological rebel. He has become Kenya’s quintessential operator. More Martin Shikuku than Masinde Muliro. A Raila, not a Jaramogi. A Munyua Waiyaki, not a Bildad Kaggia. He possesses the ability to enchant angels during the day and converse with demons at night.
Let us be clear. The survivor instinct in Sifuna is strong enough for him to serve both the devil and God.
ODM’s silence is no longer strategic
Had a morally upright ODM maintained even a semblance of its revolutionary conscience, it would have confronted the regime it currently regards as a partner. At a minimum, a thunderous ultimatum should have been fired at the Ruto government.
Crimes against Kenyans, economic cruelty, shrinking freedoms, and reckless taxation have been too blatant to ignore. Yet ODM swallowed its fire. The silence is no longer strategic. It is systemic.
It is not outrageous to assert that ODM has already mortgaged its soul through 2027 and beyond. The transaction is complete. The debt is settled. ODM's obligations now lie not with the oppressed but with the oppressor. It is determined to fulfil its end of the bargain. Maintain a theatre of opposition while doing nothing to disrupt the regime it privately entertains.
What the future holds for ODM and Sifuna
Despite his talent, Sifuna is unwittingly entering a pre-existing trap. The same hand that elevated him is preparing to cast him out. It is a script I know too well. After I opposed the unjust ejection of Magerer Lang’at, I too was let to walk slightly longer, only for my sacking to come at a more convenient time. The cycle of history continues. Sifuna’s secretary general's days are numbered. Come October, after the party elections, the new delegates conference will hand him a new title. Anything but the title of Secretary General is on the horizon.
It remains to be seen whether he will continue to serve as a senator for Nairobi. He will need more than law books and press statements. Perhaps he can learn from Tim Wanyonyi's resilience. Or take Babu Owino’s radical approach. Or maybe he needs to relocate before the ground slips from under his feet.
ODM will continue offering performative outrage. Issuing hollow pressers on government overreach without triggering any tangible remedial measures. They will cry foul while shaking hands under the table. They engage in a deceitful partnership, vocalising opposition in public and hushed cooperation behind closed doors.
What, then, should Kenyans expect in 2027? A joint campaign? Not necessarily. But a joint strategy? Most certainly. ODM will either openly back Ruto or cunningly split the opposition vote by fielding a sacrificial presidential candidate. In both scenarios, the outcome is the same. UDA stays in power. And ODM, as it stands, remains the loyal partner in disguise.
Despite its past glory, national spread, and the credibility once earned in blood and sacrifice, ODM has chosen the comfort of corridors over the conviction of conscience. The party now stands as an enemy of change.
The author is Billy Mijungu, a practitioner in public policy, governance, leadership, politics, management, and advocacy, with advisory expertise in youth, ICT and innovation, MSMEs, and education.
Views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not represent the editorial position of TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Linda Amiani (editorial assistant) Linda Amiani is a dedicated Multimedia Journalist and Editorial Assistant at Tuko.co.ke. With a solid background in broadcast journalism and over four years of experience, she has made significant contributions to the media industry through her writing, editing, and content creation. Email: linda.amiani@tuko.co.ke
Billy Mijungu (Public Policy and Governance Professional) Billy Mijungu is a seasoned practitioner in public policy, governance, leadership, politics, and management. With a wealth of experience advising youth, ICT & innovation, MSMEs, and education sectors, he has dedicated his career to driving impactful change across various domains. Mijungu's expertise in advocacy and strategic leadership shapes his insightful analysis of complex global issues.
