Nairobi: Senator Edwin Sifuna has signalled an imminent exit from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying he is shopping for a new political vehicle to propel his 2027 presidential bid.
According to Kenya News Agency, this declaration comes weeks after Sifuna was removed as the party’s Secretary-General and stripped of his Senate leadership position, deepening his fallout with the Orange party. Speaking during a Linda Mwananchi political rally at Posta Grounds in Bungoma Town, attended by thousands of supporters and billed as his homecoming and the launch of his presidential journey, Sifuna urged his supporters to allow him to open a new chapter by backing a new political outfit that would carry his State House bid.
Sifuna likened the wrangles that have rocked ODM following Raila Odinga’s death to a family torn apart after losing its patriarch. He revealed how he promised not to break Raila Odinga’s party but some individuals out of their interests have disintegrated it. Despite losing his party and Senate positions, Sifuna said his political fortunes would soon change.
He claimed President William Ruto had lost support across the country, saying his tours had convinced him that Kenyans were ready for a change in leadership. Sifuna dismissed claims that lack of financial muscle would derail his presidential bid, saying ordinary Kenyans had already begun funding his campaign through public contributions.
The rally also served as a show of unity for the Linda Mwananchi movement, with several opposition leaders throwing their weight behind Sifuna’s presidential bid. Siaya Governor James Orengo declared that he was the leader of the Linda Mwananchi faction and pledged to stand firmly behind Sifuna throughout the 2027 presidential race.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya dismissed speculation of a rivalry between him and Sifuna, saying he had abandoned his own ambitions to support the Nairobi senator. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi revealed that plans were underway to establish a new political party that would sponsor Sifuna’s presidential bid.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka called on opposition leaders to unite behind Sifuna, saying he presented the strongest chance of defeating President Ruto. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also endorsed Sifuna’s candidature, recalling that the Nairobi senator had stood by him during difficult moments in ODM.
The Bungoma rally marked Sifuna’s strongest indication yet that he intends to chart a political path outside ODM as he positions himself to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 General Elections.
