By Daniel Niyongabo
Nairobi, Kenya – Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General, Edwin Sifuna, has thrown down the gauntlet to President William Ruto, challenging him to prove the sincerity of the burgeoning “broad-based” political cooperation between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM by stepping aside and supporting Raila Odinga’s presidential bid in 2027.
Sifuna made the bold statement during a boda boda empowerment event in Nairobi, attended by both UDA and ODM members, reigniting a debate that has caused division within the opposition party. He dismissed the notion of a “broad-based” government as mere rhetoric, questioning the genuineness of the alliance.
“I don’t know anything called ‘broad-based.’ I don’t! And if you love this broad-based idea so much, now that you’re telling us how much you love Raila Odinga, let’s try something,” Sifuna stated in his characteristic fiery style.
He argued that if Ruto’s administration only began functioning effectively after incorporating Raila Odinga’s support, then it is only fair that Ruto reciprocate by foregoing his own 2027 ambitions and throwing his weight behind the veteran opposition leader.
“Ruto should step aside for Baba. That’s how we’ll know this broad-based idea is real. That’s the only kind of broad-based politics Sifuna will recognize. Ruto finishes in 2027 and hands over to Baba, because clearly, Baba is the one doing the work now,” he declared, eliciting cheers from the audience.
Sifuna’s remarks highlight the deep reservations within some factions of ODM regarding the party’s newfound working relationship with the ruling party. He has increasingly emerged as a vocal critic of the alliance, positioning himself as a counterweight to those within ODM who seem more receptive to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Furthermore, Sifuna clarified ODM’s plans for the 2027 general election, asserting that the party remains firmly committed to contesting and winning the presidency. “We haven’t abandoned our ambition to lead this country,” he insisted, emphasizing that the recent grassroots mobilization and policy realignment exercises are all geared towards achieving this goal. He clarified that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Raila and Ruto was never intended as a political surrender.
Sifuna’s pronouncements come after Raila Odinga himself addressed internal disagreements within ODM regarding the MoU with UDA. While affirming Sifuna as the official spokesperson of ODM and acknowledging his criticisms of Ruto’s government, Raila urged him to moderate his statements and maintain unity within the party.
The challenge posed by Sifuna underscores the complexities and tensions underlying the evolving political landscape in Kenya, raising questions about the long-term viability and sincerity of the UDA-ODM cooperation. The coming months will undoubtedly reveal whether Ruto responds to Sifuna’s challenge and how this developing situation impacts the political trajectory of the nation.
