ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna Rejects Claims Party Was Sold, Warns Ruto’s Leadership Threatens Kenya’s Singapore Dream

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has rejected claims that the party has been sold. He said ODM remains public property owned by all Kenyans. Speaking in Vihiga over the weekend during a music event organized by Senator Godfrey Osotsi at Chavakali in Sabatia, Sifuna warned that anyone believing they had purchased the party had been misled. “Selling ODM is like selling Uhuru Park,” he said. “The party belongs to the public. You cannot sell it.” He added that the party’s direction is determined by the electorate, not by individuals.

Sifuna also criticized President William Ruto’s recent remarks. Ruto has repeatedly promised to transform Kenya into a first-class nation like Singapore. Sifuna argued such promises mean little if the government prioritizes self-interest over public welfare. “Leadership in Kenya should not be about taking care of yourself first or only your region,” he said. “A good leader eats last, after the people have eaten.” He warned that Kenya’s Singapore dream could fail if the administration continues a culture of self-enrichment.

The comments came after Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua accused Ruto of trying to control ODM. Gachagua claimed senior party figures Junet Mohamed and Gladys Wanga received payments as part of the alleged deal. He also alleged Junet stayed behind on the day ODM founder Raila Odinga died to facilitate the deal. Gachagua warned ODM risks becoming a regional party confined to Luo Nyanza. He cited recent by-election results as proof of the party’s shrinking influence.

Sifuna dismissed the allegations as false. He reaffirmed that ODM belongs to Kenyans and cannot be sold or controlled by any individual. He urged political actors to respect democratic principles and focus on policies that serve the nation, not personal ambitions. His remarks underline the party’s commitment to public ownership, political integrity and leadership that prioritizes the welfare of all Kenyans.