Cracks in ODM leadership continue to widen Edwin Sifuna, The Orange Democratic Movement SG, has said he will leave the party if the party chooses to support President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.
While speaking at an event in Sabaoti, Trans Nzoia, Sifuna made it clear that personal beliefs should not be ignored when choosing a presidential candidate.
He said that party loyalty must not come before what one truly believes in.
He also reminded supporters that Raila Odinga himself has said ODM is a democratic party where members are allowed to express their views.
Sifuna said some people have called him a rebel just because he keeps questioning Ruto’s government, even though top ODM leaders are now working with the ruling party.
He insisted that he has no problem reading and sharing ODM’s official messages, even if they contain harsh words about him.
But when it comes to reading a statement supporting Ruto for re-election, he said that will be his breaking point.
He joked that those who think Jared Okelo is better at speaking English should be ready to replace him if the party heads in that direction. He said clearly that he would not be the one to announce any support for Ruto.
Sifuna also admitted that ODM is confused and lacks direction. He believes the party does not have one clear voice anymore and that its position on key national matters is unclear.
He blames this on the so-called broad-based government arrangement, which brought opposition leaders into Ruto’s administration.
Some party supporters have asked for Sifuna’s resignation, but Raila has defended him.
The ODM leader said Sifuna, as secretary-general, still has the right to speak personally and should not be silenced for sharing his honest views.
