Africa-Press – Kenya. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has firmly ruled out supporting President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV, Sifuna, who is also the Nairobi Senator, said he does not see Ruto securing re-election, insisting that his own political position is clear despite growing calls from a section of ODM leaders to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
During the interview, it was noted that ODM is increasingly split between a faction that is openly drumming up support for Ruto’s second term and another that remains opposed to any such arrangement.
Asked to clarify where he stands, Sifuna left no room for ambiguity.
“You know where I belong, mimi ni wa One Term, proudly so,” he affirmed.
Sifuna emphasised that ODM, as a party, has not made any formal decision to support Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
“This is why the Central Committee said they will talk with different political formations, that is the position of the party,” Sifuna said, underscoring that consultations do not amount to an endorsement.
He acknowledged the existence of differing opinions within ODM, saying such diversity of views is a natural feature of a democratic political party.
“Democracy dictates that people have views on things. I cannot begrudge anyone who thinks that supporting Ruto is the best thing,” he said.
“And I like some of them by the way because they have come out boldly to say after Raila Odinga died, my party leader is so and so. They have said it openly, and it is what democracy requires. I cannot begrudge you for taking that position, but also, do not feel bad when people take positions that are opposed to yours.”
Sifuna argued that ODM remains ideologically stronger than its rivals and is well placed to win political debates on the country’s future direction.
“If we go argument to argument, I believe we will win every argument on values, ideologies on where the country needs to go,” he said.
However, he warned against the use of intimidation and violence in political contests, saying such tactics only expose a lack of convincing ideas.
“There is only one argument they are saying is remaining and that is violence. We know that violence is the language of someone who has lost the argument. All they do is just threaten, we will beat you, we will kick you out,” Sifuna said.
Calling for issue-based politics, he added, “Let us have a session where we persuade each other. You tell me this is the best deal.”
Sifuna also reminded viewers of ODM’s long-standing identity as a party that fields presidential candidates and builds coalitions to win power.
“We are a party that has presented a presidential candidate in all elections since it was formed,” he said.
“We have been the party which has been persuading other political parties. Raila persuaded 26 political formations, all of which were formed to win power, to support him in 2022.”
Pressed on what he would do if ODM eventually entered into a pre-election pact with Ruto, Sifuna maintained that his personal position would not change.
“I will still not support him. Voting is secret, and nobody can compel me to vote for Ruto,” he said.
Citing sentiments from across the country, Sifuna argued that the President faces an uphill task in seeking a second term.
“Listening to people in Western, Coast, North Eastern and other parts of the country, I do not see a path to power for William Ruto,” he said.
