ODM Secretary-General risks party position as he spearheads new youth movement challenging Kenya Kwanza administration
Edwin Sifuna has thrown down the gauntlet to his own Orange Democratic Movement party, declaring he would rather lose his position as Secretary-General than support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking at a women’s empowerment event in Saboti, Trans Nzoia County on Sunday, the defiant ODM official made it clear that his opposition to the Kenya Kwanza administration transcends party loyalty—a stance that puts him on a collision course with any potential ODM-UDA rapprochement.
“I will not support ODM’s resolution to endorse William Ruto in 2027,” Sifuna declared, addressing speculation about his party’s future political direction.
“I am ready to be replaced in ODM, as I have heard someone is being groomed for my position.”
The remarks signal a deepening rift within ODM as the party grapples with its positioning ahead of the 2027 general election.
While party leader Raila Odinga has recently shown signs of warming up to the Ruto administration, Sifuna’s public rebellion suggests not all party officials are willing to follow that path.
Youth movement emerges
Sifuna’s defiance coincides with the launch of “Kenya Moja,” a new political formation he’s spearheading alongside several opposition MPs.
The movement positions itself as a youth-led alternative to what its founders describe as failed leadership under the current administration.
“Kenya needs a new political force to champion the rights of citizens suffering under poor leadership,” Sifuna emphasized, framing his opposition as a matter of principle rather than personal ambition.
The timing of this political realignment is significant. With three years until the next election, opposition figures are already positioning themselves for what promises to be a highly contested race.
Sifuna’s willingness to potentially sacrifice his party position suggests he’s betting on anti-establishment sentiment carrying more weight than traditional party structures.
Coalition of the willing
The Saboti event revealed the breadth of discontent within opposition ranks. MPs Caleb Amisi (Saboti), Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Jack Wamboka (Bumula), and Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri) all voiced sharp criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Kalasinga’s focus on human rights violations—specifically extrajudicial killings—adds a grave dimension to their opposition. “The human rights space has shrunk under this government. If President Ruto gets a second term, it will only get worse,” he warned.
Wamuchomba’s critique was equally scathing, targeting the government’s performance in healthcare and education.
Her direct appeal to the President—“Stop lying, Mr President”—reflects the confrontational tone this emerging opposition faction is adopting.
The Raila factor
Perhaps most intriguingly, Sifuna hinted at working with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, suggesting he’s already building alternative political networks.
This tactical positioning indicates he’s prepared for potential expulsion from ODM rather than merely hoping to influence party direction from within.
The Secretary-General’s rebellion places Raila Odinga in a delicate position.
As ODM leader, he must decide whether to discipline Sifuna or accommodate the growing dissent within party ranks.
His recent conciliatory moves toward the Ruto administration appear increasingly at odds with his party’s grassroots sentiment.
Reading the political temperature
Amisi’s claims of receiving death threats and being trailed by unknown vehicles which he interpreted as assassination attempts add a serious security dimension to this political drama.
Whether these concerns are legitimate or political theater, they reflect the high stakes involved in opposition politics.
The emergence of Kenya Moja also represents something broader: a generational challenge to established political leadership.
By positioning themselves as young, visionary leaders offering “economic transformation,” these politicians are tapping into widespread frustration with traditional politics.
Sifuna’s gamble could reshape Kenya’s opposition landscape.
If successful, his rebellion might inspire other party officials to break ranks, potentially fracturing ODM and creating space for new political formations. If it fails, he risks political isolation.
The Secretary-General’s willingness to sacrifice his position for principle—assuming that’s what this represents rather than calculated opportunism—will be tested in coming months.
Can Kenya Moja build sufficient momentum to challenge both the ruling party and established opposition? That remains the million-shilling question.
What’s certain is that Sifuna has chosen confrontation over accommodation, setting up what promises to be a fascinating power struggle within Kenya’s opposition ranks as the 2027 election cycle heats up.
The author is a political correspondent covering Kenya’s evolving political landscape
