Insider sources have revealed that what began as a one-man crusade by ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna against the broad-based government arrangement is now evolving into a full-fledged movement within the party.
Although the sources declined to name individuals, there’s growing consensus that several high-ranking party figures—including influential governors and legislators from Nyanza, Western, and Coastal regions—are part of this new political realignment.
The disgruntled leaders, reportedly long-time ODM loyalists, are said to be deeply dissatisfied with the party’s current trajectory—particularly its perceived support for President William Samoei Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to the insider, the group has already identified a new political vehicle which they intend to formally launch soon. Plans are allegedly underway to unveil a presidential candidate under the new party’s banner for the 2027 race.
If confirmed, such a defection could deal a heavy blow to ODM—widely regarded as Kenya’s largest and most resilient opposition party—especially given that the dissenting voices hail from regions considered to be the traditional strongholds of party leader Raila Odinga.
Despite a recent Central Management Committee meeting intended to quell internal dissent, Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna remains openly defiant. While speaking in Trans Nzoia, yesterday, he distanced himself from any future party commitments to support President Ruto, reinforcing his earlier stance.
Sifuna is not alone. Other key figures such as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo have also expressed discomfort with the perceived ODM-UDA rapprochement.
There is growing speculation that some leaders are being offered substantial incentives to endorse the alliance, including the possibility of a running mate slot in a Ruto-led presidential ticket.
As ODM navigates one of its most turbulent periods since its formation in 2005, questions linger: Could Raila Odinga’s alignment with President Ruto become the party’s greatest miscalculation—one that threatens to unravel decades of political legacy?
Only time will tell.
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