Sifuna: ODM is focused on clinching power, has no deal with UDA on 2027 elections

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has clarified that there is no agreement between the party and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) concerning the 2027 general election.

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna on Thursday addressed rumours of a possible agreement between ODM and UDA, stating that no formal deal exists for the 2027 election.

"I can speak authoritatively; there is no agreement between ODM and UDA about 2027," Sifuna said.

"If you are unpopular, it doesn't matter how many leaders you bring around you, we will lose the election with Ruto, even if we supported him as ODM," he said.

Addressing the ongoing discussions about potential political alliances, Sifuna said that ODM remains committed to its goal of getting power and will not compromise its values.

"If you want to know the position of the party on matters to do with coalition building, and what is going to happen, there's only one voice you listen to. The constitution of the party, which I know from front to end, places that responsibility on the party leader. Listen to what Raila Odinga is saying," Sifuna said.

Speaking about the party's future, Sifuna noted that ODM will continue to fight for its identity, and any coalition decisions will ultimately be determined by Odinga, the party leader.

For over two decades, ODM has played a central role in Kenyan politics, consistently fielding a presidential candidate in every election since its formation.

Sifuna made it clear that the party's ambitions have not changed.

"We have not given up the quest to acquire power. Otherwise, you fold up your party and go. Political parties exist for the sole purpose of winning power through democratic means," he said.

While some ODM members have voiced their views on potential coalitions, Sifuna stressed that it is Odinga who will chart the course.

"Let everybody air their views, but the position of the party on coalitions is given by the party leader," he asserted.

Reflecting on past elections, Sifuna pointed out that ODM has faced challenges even with a large coalition.

"We lost an election with 26 parties. Even the logistics of just sitting the principals together was a problem. We still came up short. That tells you that if you don't deliver on your promises, it doesn't matter. We had unkept promises, and institutions like the Catholic Church were calling us out for a culture of lies," he explained.

He added that ODM's focus will be on addressing the issues that matter most to Kenyans.

"As long as you are not addressing those issues, it doesn't matter. We will lose," he warned, underlining the need for a government that delivers on its promises.