Sifuna Defies ODM Purge, Pledges Unwavering Criticism of Ruto's 'Failing' Leadership
Nairobi Senator and ousted ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has vowed to persist in holding President William Ruto accountable, refusing to be silenced despite intense factional battles within the Orange Democratic Movement.
Speaking at a church service in Kitengela, Kajiado County on February 15, 2026, Sifuna declared, "We will not fear anything. We will continue to speak the truth so that we protect the citizens from the corruption in this country and the abductions we have witnessed." He emphasized honoring the late Raila Odinga's principle that true leaders serve the people, not themselves, and insisted that leadership positions come from citizens, not party hierarchies.
Sifuna portrayed Ruto's administration as deeply flawed, accusing it of crippling essential sectors like health and education while attempting to muzzle dissent through intimidation and position threats. He dismissed fears of removal from office, stating, "Kenyans have given me comfort to know that even if they do away with Sifuna, more than 15 million Sifunas will continue with this mission." His remarks come amid his characterization of his recent ouster as a "political witch hunt" for refusing to back Ruto, a stance that has positioned him as a persistent critic of the president's policies.
The ODM rift deepened after Raila Odinga's passing, pitting Sifuna's anti-Ruto faction—supported by figures like James Orengo and Babu Owino—against the pro-collaboration group led by Oburu Odinga, which endorses Ruto's 2027 re-election bid. The party replaced Sifuna with acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, a move Sifuna and allies deem illegal, though the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has paused enforcement pending a hearing. ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga has accused Sifuna of collaborating with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to undermine the party, further fueling the internal divisions.
