‘I Won’t Support Ruto Even With ODM Endorsement!’ – Senator Sifuna
Edwin Sifuna, Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the Nairobi Senator, has stated that if the party supports President William Ruto in the 2019 general election, he will withdraw his support.
Sifuna, who spoke in Trans Nzoia on Sunday, stated that he is happy to hear all ODM views, including those who criticize him, but not those favoring Ruto for 2027.
“Since I am the Secretary General of the party, I will read all the resolutions from ODM, even if they insult me, except one,” he said.
“But the day the party decides it wants to support Ruto come 2027, that one I will not read.”
He added that if the party went down that route, he would welcome anyone willing to take his place.
Third Force Rising?
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) August 3, 2025
ODM's Edwin Sifuna and Caleb Amisi have threatened to lead a mass walkout, out of ODM Party, should the party support President Ruto's 2027 re-election bid.#NTVWeekendEdition @zeynabIsmail pic.twitter.com/ad3jo4yTSV
“Some have said Nyando MP Jared Okelo is better than me because he speaks good English. Be ready if you want to take up my role. If they endorse Ruto, I won’t be a part of that,” he added.
The Senator supported ODM leader Raila Odinga’s recent remarks on party democracy, stating that he has the freedom to voice his opinions independently.
“Raila has said that this is a democratic party, and any member is free to speak their mind,” he said.
“Those who say I cannot hold views independent of the party just because I am the Secretary General, and that I must represent the party at all times, I want to tell you that Raila has said I can speak my mind.”
" I will resign if ODM supports William Ruto in 2027"- Nairobi Senator and ODM SG Edwin Sifuna declares! pic.twitter.com/QKXkpn8rvM
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) August 3, 2025
Sifuna has consistently criticized any potential merger between the ODM and Ruto’s UDA Party.
He has warned that such a move could harm ODM’s reputation as a people-centered organization and jeopardize its chances after the 2027 election.
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Sifuna stated on Citizen TV on July 24 that he would retire if the party endorsed Ruto.
“The only reason I haven’t resigned is because there’s still some glimmer of hope that my party will eventually see the merger as untenable,” he said.
“If the party decides to go ahead with the merger in 2027, then I will have no option but to resign as SG.”
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has backed Sifuna in the face of internal party criticism, stating that he embraces diverse viewpoints.
‘I Won’t Support Ruto Even With ODM Endorsement!’ – Senator Sifuna
