ODM rift deepens as Edwin Sifuna, Caleb Amisi threaten mass walkout if party backs Ruto in 2027

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has threatened to quit the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if the party endorses President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.

Speaking on Sunday during a fundraiser in Lukhome, Trans Nzoia County, Sifuna, the ODM secretary-general, said loyalty to the party should not override personal conviction. He vowed to oppose any attempt by ODM to support President Ruto.

“I assure ODM supporters that my stance remains,” he said.

Sifuna, who has been openly critical of ODM’s growing ties with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), made it clear he would not take part in endorsing Ruto—even if the party asked him to.

“I am willing to read whatever statement ODM comes up with for dissemination, even if they were to insult me. But the day the party decides it wants to support Ruto come 2027, that one I will not read,” he said.

Addressing criticism that he cannot voice personal opinions due to his party role, Sifuna responded: “Raila himself has said that this is a democratic party and any member is free to speak their mind, yet some thugs are saying I cannot hold views independent of the party just because I am the secretary general, that I represent the party at all times.”

He added: “Some have said (Nyando MP) Jared Okelo is better than I am at it because he speaks good English; Okelo, be ready if you want to take up my role. If they endorse Ruto, I won’t be a part of that.”

Mass exodus

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, who also addressed the gathering, echoed Sifuna’s warning and cautioned that ODM could face a mass exodus if it aligns with UDA in the 2027 elections.

“If you decide to work with Ruto in 2027, that will be the end of me and you,” Amisi told supporters.

Sifuna reinforced his position: “I will read all the resolutions except the one on ODM endorsing President William Ruto in 2027. We will talk to everyone whose agenda is to remove William Ruto from power in 2027.”

The event—dubbed the Lukhome Declaration—brought together discontented ODM figures and MPs unhappy with the party’s warming ties with UDA.

Killing of Gen Z protesters

Speakers warned that backing Ruto would be tantamount to “dancing on the atrocities” committed under his administration, including the alleged killings of Gen Z protesters and deteriorating health and education services.

Also in attendance were legislators believed to be allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, both of whom are said to be eyeing the presidency.

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• Edwin Sifuna
• Caleb Amisi
• Ruto 2027
• President William Ruto re-election bid
• ODM rift deepens as Edwin Sifuna
• Caleb Amisi threaten mass walkout if party backs Ruto in 2027

Amisi likened the ODM-UDA cooperation deal, signed in March, to the 2018 “handshake” between Raila Odinga and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta—arguing that it did little for ODM’s grassroots supporters.

10-point joint agenda

Sifuna, a vocal critic of the pact, declared it “effectively dead,” accusing UDA of failing to honour a ten-point joint agenda central to the agreement.

“ODM no longer speaks with one voice. We have failed to put our house in order. There’s no ideological clarity,” he said.

Although he chairs a technical committee meant to implement the ODM-UDA deal, Sifuna admitted that no progress has been made.

Despite growing calls for his removal from party leadership, Sifuna remains defiant, insisting only ODM leader Raila Odinga can dismiss him.

“I was elected and appointed by the party leadership. Unless Raila asks me to leave, I’m not going anywhere,” he said recently.

Campaign for Sifuna’s ouster

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has led the campaign for Sifuna’s ouster, citing insubordination.

Meanwhile, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka defended Sifuna and cautioned that public infighting among Western leaders would undermine the region’s influence.

“It is unfortunate that some of our leaders are shouting at each other in public instead of engaging constructively. We must learn to convince and dialogue, not abuse one another,” Lusaka said during a service at St. Mary’s Ndengelwa Catholic Church.

“Edwin is one of us. If you disagree with him, talk to him with respect and try to persuade him, do not insult him.”

Lusaka urged leaders from the Western region to unite and promised to reach out to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya for reconciliation talks.

“We must speak with one voice so that we can achieve more for our people,” he said, pointing to the recent Sh7 billion allocation for a Level 6 referral hospital in Bungoma as a result of cooperation with the national government.