Sifuna calls out broad-based govt hardliners in ODM with crafty agendas
By Kiprono Keileb, November 21, 2025Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has called out some members within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for quietly supporting President William Ruto’s agenda, raising concerns over internal divisions as the 2027 general elections approach.
Speaking during a fundraiser in Borabu Constituency on Friday, November 21, 2025, Sifuna said he was aware of ODM members pushing policies favourable to Ruto despite publicly backing the party’s leadership.
“Hao ndugu zetu wako ODM ambao wanasema wanasupport hio kitu inaitwa Broad based, ni sawa support lakini msifikirie nyinyi ni wajanja sana,” he said, criticising what he described as covert alignment with Ruto’s strategies.
Sifuna added that these members were contradicting party agreements made under ODM leader Raila Odinga. “Wao wanasema sijui baba aliwaambia mpaka 2027 Ruto akifanya hio atamuunga mkono, Raila alisema ODM itakuwa na president 2027,” he said, highlighting a potential conflict between party directives and individual actions.
Undermining party cohesion
He also claimed that the moves were undermining ODM’s internal cohesion. “Hao wajanja wanajificha ODM na kuskuma sera za William Ruto, nataka niwaambie nyinyi sio wajanja tumewajua,” Sifuna said, stressing that he is monitoring the situation closely.
Sifuna further indicated that Ruto has allies with whom he is collaborating, including government officials, to advance his agenda. “Mimi Sifuna nimesema yule mtu atatusaidia kufurusha Kasongo, William Ruto, ni rafiki yangu. Tunasaidia na Kina Matiangi kumwangisha Ruto,” he stated, referring to specific figures involved in the political manoeuvring.
The comments come amid rising speculation over alliances and party loyalty ahead of Kenya’s 2027 elections, with opposition leaders warning that cross-party collaborations could reshape political strategies in key regions.
Sifuna’s remarks in Borabu reflect growing tension within ODM, as party leaders face the challenge of maintaining unity while countering perceived influence from rival political camps.
Oburu Oginga, who assumed the role of the party leader, ruled that ODM will support the broad-based government arrangement until 2027 before deciding on the way forward.
Nonetheless, Oburu maintained that ODM will not be in the opposition.