Sifuna Slams Ruto Over Raila Remarks, Says ODM Will Surprise Him in 2027

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has hit back at President William Ruto following his claim that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was his only worthy political rival. Sifuna warned that Ruto would be in for a rude shock in the 2027 General Election, declaring that ODM is preparing to field a strong presidential candidate capable of defeating him.

Speaking during the ODM delegates’ meeting in Mombasa on Saturday, November 1, Sifuna echoed Raila’s call for the party to put forward its own presidential contender. He dismissed Ruto’s assertion that no other opposition figure poses a serious challenge, saying that the President’s confidence would soon be tested.

“Sai kila mtu akona mambo yake, anasema baba aliniambia hivi, baba alisema vile lakini ile tunaweza kubaliana ni yale alituambia sisi sote. Tukiwa wazi mbele ya umma, baba alisema tunajitayarisha kwa ajili ya uchaguzi wa 2027 tuweze kutoa candidate wetu. Najua hakuna jambo inaweza wekwa mbele yetu itushinde. Tukiamua tunasimamisha party leader wetu, tutashinda uchaguzi, tukisema SG ndo asimame, tunashinda kura asubuhi na mapema,” Sifuna stated.

He went on to mock those claiming that only Raila could have beaten Ruto, asserting that the ODM movement has capable leaders ready to carry on Raila’s legacy.

“Naskia kuna watu wanazunguka wakisema ni baba pekee angeweza kuwaangusha kwa uchaguzi. Kuna mjumbe ametuambia, mtoto wa simba ni simba. Watashangaa sana,” he added.

Addressing concerns over the ongoing broad-based dialogue between ODM and Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Sifuna clarified that the arrangement is not a coalition, insisting that both parties maintain their independence and autonomy.

He also cautioned ODM members against using campaign platforms for the upcoming November 27 by-election to push “two-term” slogans, warning that the party would discipline anyone diverting attention from official campaign messages.

Sifuna emphasized that ODM’s strategy for 2027 would be a collective decision, not one dictated by a few individuals.

“We are yet to agree on how to move forward in 2027, and it will not be left to a few people,” he affirmed.

Turning his attention to regional politics, the ODM Secretary-General condemned reports of police brutality in Tanzania, where protesters demanding electoral reforms were allegedly injured.

“Mambo ambayo tunayaona Tanzania, ni ya kusikitisha… ugonjwa wa kukandamiza wanademokrasia, ni jukumu letu kusema hapana, kwa kuwa ni rahisi sana ugonjwa huo kuvuka border,” Sifuna warned.

President Ruto, during his Western Kenya tour on October 30, 2025, had earlier exuded confidence that he would clinch a swift victory in 2027, saying:

“Ati wale watu nashindana nao ni wale? Yani mtu ningeshindana na yeye ni Raila lakini hawa. Nitawamalizia asubuhi na mapema… Ni kwa sababu hawana mpango.”

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