Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has reaffirmed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is preparing to challenge President William Ruto’s leadership in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a live morning talk show on May 8, 2025, Sifuna said ODM remains committed to its goal of securing the presidency and will field its own candidate in the next election cycle.
“ODM exists to seek power through democratic means. We are still determined to lead this country and have not abandoned that mission,” he stated. “We will face all contenders, including William Ruto, and we aim to make him a one-term president so we can implement our own agenda.”
Sifuna, a vocal critic of the political cooperation between President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, insisted that his views reflect the public sentiment he continues to encounter, even during the president’s development tours.
“No matter how the question is phrased, my stance will not change,” he said. “The feedback we get on the ground shows there is growing resistance to the current administration.”
Claims of Political Marginalisation
The senator also addressed what he described as political marginalisation of regions that have historically supported ODM and its leader Raila Odinga. He argued that these areas are often sidelined in development projects due to their political affiliations.
“Those of us who have consistently supported Raila Odinga have been marginalised because of our political stance,” Sifuna said. “Raila is not just a Luo leader — he is a national figure. I myself am not from Nyanza, yet I have faced discrimination for backing him.”
He cited examples from across the country, including the Coast and North Rift regions. “In Baringo, our ODM chairman, Mr. Lekakimon, is being marginalised purely because of his role in the party,” he added.
Sifuna’s remarks underline ODM’s renewed focus on the 2027 elections and signal growing tensions within Kenya’s political landscape as the opposition prepares to mount a robust campaign against the ruling administration.
