ODM’s Sifuna Vows to Quit if Party Endorses Ruto for 2027

Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna said he will resign and relinquish all party duties if ODM endorses President William Ruto’s bid for re-election in 2027. Addressing supporters in Lukhome, Saboti Constituency, Sifuna warned that backing the incumbent would be “a line I am unwilling to cross” and signalled readiness to help build an alternative political formation. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi echoed the stance, telling ODM leader Raila Odinga that any rapprochement with Ruto would prompt a mass walk-out. The two lawmakers raised about KSh4 million at a women’s economic-empowerment fundraiser, using the event to rally support for what they described as a potential “third force” to tackle Kenya’s economic and social challenges. Their remarks come amid speculation that Odinga could strike a cooperation deal with Ruto after the president’s recent meeting with former leader Uhuru Kenyatta. Opposition figures insist the outreach is a strategy to broaden Ruto’s support base ahead of the 2027 vote and have stepped up criticism of his administration.