Wamuzi News Ke
In a seismic political move, Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary‑General Edwin Sifuna has publicly pledged to resign from his party post if the Orange Democratic Movement formally backs President William Ruto’s re‑election campaign in 2027.
His statement has exposed deep fault lines within ODM’s leadership and threatens to trigger a mass exodus of party faithful.
Defiant Declaration Rocks Party Ranks.
Speaking during a women‑empowerment fundraiser in Trans Nzoia County, Sifuna made clear that the moment ODM endorses Ruto, “I will have no option but to resign as the Secretary‑General.” He emphasized that party loyalty must not override principled conviction.
Despite internal calls for outright resignation over his outspoken stance, Sifuna stated he still believes ODM can “find its footing” and return to its founding values—absent the controversial 2025 working agreement with UDA.
Cleavage Within ODM Leadership.
Sifuna accused party insiders who support the ODM‑UDA pact of hypocrisy, especially those now advocating for limits on protest rights—echoing earlier criticisms tied to calls to amend Article 37 of the Constitution to curb demonstrations. He says such impulses betray ODM’s days as a voice for the voiceless.
In a pointed rebuke, Sifuna challenged fellow ODM figures suggesting replacements, teasing Nyando MP Jared Okello: “Be ready—if ODM backs Ruto, I’m out and you can read their statement.” His quip lays bare the deep ideological rupture within party ranks.
Match Point: What Sifuna Means for 2027Analysts warn Sifuna’s ultimatum could be the tipping point for ODM, especially given dwindling youth confidence and rising factionalism.
The Nairobi Senator’s willingness to align across party lines—hinting he might back Fred Matiang’i or other anti‑Ruto figures—signals a potential leadership realignment independent of ODM command.
ODM’s Crossroads: Unity or Fracture?Party leader Raila Odinga has publicly supported Sifuna’s right to speak freely, even within his official role, but watchers say unresolved tensions could surface during ODM’s October national delegates conference.
That event is expected to determine both internal leadership and the party’s formal stance ahead of the 2027 elections. If Sifuna departs, Kenya would lose one of its most visible and vocal opposition figures—on the eve of an election where ODM’s alignment could determine whether Ruto secures re‑election with the critical Western Kenya bloc.
Countdown to Accountability.
With loyalty and conviction pulled in opposite directions, ODM now faces a profound existential test: reaffirm its identity or sever its credible dissenters. Will the party double down on collaboration or buck internal resistance to preserve unity?
