Sifuna Issues Stark Warning as ODM’s Ruto Alliance Sparks Fears of Political Collapse Ahead of the 2027 General Election

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has sent shockwaves through the party after warning that continued support for President William Ruto could push ODM into permanent opposition. His message was clear. The party must choose its path before 2027.

Speaking on Citizen TV, Sifuna said ODM risks losing its political identity. He argued that voters expect the party to challenge power, not protect it. Therefore, aligning too closely with the government could weaken its base.

The disagreement comes after ODM signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Democratic Alliance in early 2025. The deal aimed to stabilise the country. It also focused on implementing a joint 10-point reform agenda. However, it opened the door to serious division.

Some ODM leaders now support Ruto’s re-election. They say the party has suffered in opposition for too long. They also claim Kenyans are tired of protests. For them, working with the government feels safer.

Yet another group strongly disagrees. This faction wants ODM to field its own presidential candidate. Sifuna belongs to this camp. He believes the party must fight for power. He says compromise will only lead to defeat.

According to Sifuna, backing Ruto is risky. He insists the president’s popularity is fading. As a result, anyone tied to him may fall with him.

“When people vote, nobody controls them,” Sifuna said. “Supporting Ruto will hurt ODM. He is going home.”

He also made his personal position clear. He will vote against the president in 2027. Still, he promised to stay in ODM.

Meanwhile, ODM leader Senator Oburu Oginga is trying to cool the tensions. He said the party is working on unity. He also said internal talks are ongoing.

However, the split remains wide. One side wants cooperation. The other wants confrontation. Both believe they are protecting ODM’s future.

At the same time, President Ruto remains confident. He recently said he will win the election by millions of votes. He also praised his development record.

UDA has already registered more than 12,000 aspirants. That shows strong preparation.

For ODM, the next move matters. The party must decide. Either it breaks away or stays close. The choice will shape its future in 2027.