Edwin Sifuna Warns Ruto-Raila Partnership Might Cost ODM in 2027: "Preparations Take Time"
- ODM's Edwin Sifuna expressed concerns about his party's political direction and its impact on their long-term strategy for the next general election
- In the interview, he also revealed ODM's plan for the 2027 presidency amid the ongoing partnership with President William Ruto's government
- He admitted internal confusion and assigned blame for the lack of clarity on the party’s stance and future intentions
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna has voiced strong concerns over the growing partnership between ODM party leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto, warning that the alliance may compromise the party’s readiness for the 2027 General Election.
Source: Twitter
Sifuna said that although he does not dictate the party's position on coalitions, a role reserved for the party leader, he fears the ongoing collaboration with Ruto could cost ODM valuable preparation time.
How will Ruto-Raila deal affect ODM?
“Unfortunately, the position of the party on coalitions is given by the party leader, so what he says is the position of the party. My worry is that if you stick with the current government until 2027, then you don’t have the time to prepare the party for elections," he said during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday, July 22.
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Sifuna, who also serves as Nairobi senator, reaffirmed that ODM intends to field its presidential candidate in 2027.
However, he warned that aligning with the current regime without clearly defined timelines or goals could leave the party unprepared to mount a serious challenge.
“For instance, if we get to 2027 and decide to contest the presidency because that is the position of the party, but have not made room to prepare, we will have lost the opportunity to extricate ourselves from this unpopular regime and to explain to the people what we’ve been doing with Ruto all these years,” he added.
The outspoken politician also made it clear that he would not support any formal endorsement of Ruto for the presidency in 2027.
Is there confusion in the ODM party?
In a candid and reflective moment, Sifuna admitted to internal confusion within ODM, blaming the leadership for failing to maintain the party’s ideological clarity.
“There was a time when it was very easy to be the SG of ODM,” he said. “You could wake me up at midnight and ask me anything, and I’d give you a clear answer, because we all agreed you can compromise on tactics, but never on values.”
He added, “There are things that ODM stands for. But now, I come to shows like this and I struggle to explain that we are the same political party.”
Sifuna issued an apology to ODM members over the ongoing confusion within the party, acknowledging that the leadership had failed to present a unified and coherent stance on key issues.
He admitted that it has become increasingly difficult for members to understand the party's official position, a situation he described as deeply regrettable.
“It is very difficult right now to discern the position of ODM on major issues, and that is the biggest sadness, because it should be easy," he said.
Can Gachagua make Raila president?
Meanwhile, speaking at the same interview, Sifuna said the fallout between Ruto and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, is politically beneficial to the opposition.
Source: Facebook
He noted that the rift is weakening Ruto’s 2022 support base, particularly in Mt. Kenya.
Sifuna argued that if Raila retains his previous votes while Ruto loses Mt. Kenya, the ODM leader could clinch the presidency.
He also dismissed Gachagua’s viability as a candidate, saying his only political value lies in splitting the ruling camp's vote.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
