Edwin Sifuna Threatens to Quit ODM, Urges Successor to Prepare: "Kuwa Tayari Wakati Wowote"
- The ODM party faced internal tensions as secretary general Edwin Sifuna made bold declarations during a fundraiser in Trans Nzoia county
- His fiery speech hinted at major party shifts, sparking speculation about 2027 political realignments
- In a video, the Nairobi senator outlined conditions that could force him to step down from a powerful party position
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Political tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are escalating after secretary general Edwin Sifuna declared his intention to resign if the party backs President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Source: Facebook
Sifuna made the remarks on Sunday, August 3, during a women’s empowerment fundraiser in Saboti, Trans Nzoia county, amid growing pressure for his resignation from some party members.
He defended his right to speak personally on political matters, saying there should be a clear distinction between his individual views and his official role in the party.
“There are claims that when Sifuna speaks, the whole party speaks. Others accuse me of being the party’s mouthpiece, even when I’m sharing my personal opinion,” he told the gathering.
Why is Sifuna threatening to quit ODM?
While reaffirming his loyalty to ODM and its decisions, Sifuna said he would not support any resolution endorsing Ruto’s re-election bid.
He maintained that such a move would force him to step aside from his role.
"Today I want to say this: I will read all the resolutions of the ODM Party that uphold loyalty to ODM—except one. If they pass a resolution saying Sifuna is completely useless, I will read it. If they say Sifuna is foolish, I will pass it. But the day they pass a resolution that ODM will support Ruto in 2027, I swear before you and before God, I will not read it.
On that day, they will have to find someone else to read matters concerning Ruto. I’ve heard some say my brother Jared Okello is ready to read things about Ruto—that he’s more eloquent than Sifuna, that he studied English. Okello, be ready at any time. If you want to do the job Sifuna is doing, be ready. The day they say ODM is in bed with Ruto, I’m out. Completely out," he stated.
Sifuna, also the Nairobi senator, emphasised that his stance was not based on hatred toward Ruto but on a commitment to protecting democratic freedoms and justice for Kenyans.
Source: Facebook
Will Edwin Sifuna join the opposition?
His comments came just days after senior ODM officials, including party leader Raila Odinga, issued a statement affirming cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration until 2027.
Meanwhile, the outspoken politician also hinted at joining the opposition government, whose main agenda is to make Ruto a one-term president.
"And I have said this: we will speak to anyone who is willing to help us in the mission to remove Ruto from office. This mission to remove Ruto from office is a national priority project," he added.
The party is currently awaiting Raila’s final position on whether ODM will field a presidential candidate or back Ruto in the upcoming elections.
Why should ODM support UDA?
Meanwhile, Treasury CS John Mbadi expressed confidence in Ruto’s leadership, citing the president’s commitment to inclusive governance and the appointments extended to regions previously marginalised in national leadership.
Mbadi emphasised the need for bipartisan cooperation between ODM and UDA, stating that Kenya’s political realities demand collaboration to preserve national unity.
He underscored the importance of equality among all citizens and rejected divisive politics that elevate some groups above others.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
