- ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna still insists that the party will field its own presidential candidate in 2027
- He assured supporters that ODM remains strong and united, with capable leaders ready to carry Raila Odinga’s legacy forward
- Sifuna’s pronouncement came amid a push advanced by some ODM members for an alliance with President William Ruto’s UDA
ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna has reaffirmed that the party will field its own presidential candidate in 2027, dismissing an internal push by some members for an alliance with President William Ruto.
Source: Twitter
Speaking in Mombasa on Saturday, November 1, during a meeting with grassroots leaders, Sifuna stated that ODM was actively strategising for the next vote.
Who will ODM field as presidential candidate in 2027?
He sought to quash the belief that the party currently lacks strong leadership following Raila Odinga’s death, asserting that there are capable leaders best-suited to steer ODM forward.
The Nairobi senator singled out acting leader Oburu Oginga, governors Abdulswamad Nassir of Mombasa and Kisii’s Simba Arati among those who fit the bill as regards the presidential race.
Sifuna criticised members who suggest the party’s future depends on alliances with other outfits, arguing that such views undermine ODM’s internal strength and legacy built around it by Raila.
According to him, ODM stands a strong chance of clinching power in 2027 and must not squander that opportunity.
“Everyone claims to have been told something by the late Baba, but we all heard what he said publicly. Baba told us to prepare the party for 2027 and ensure we field a presidential candidate. This party, as I know it, is unbeatable. Even if we choose Oburu Oginga as our flagbearer, we will win very earlier in the morning,” Sifuna declared.
He also took a swipe at Ruto for suggesting that Raila was his only worthy opponent.
Warning the president, Sifuna noted that ODM still has formidable leaders mentored by Raila who are ready to challenge Ruto’s hold on power.
“Some say only Raila could defeat them. But they should remember, a cub learns from its mother lion. They’ll be in for a surprise,” he said.
What Ruth Odinga said over ODM-UDA partnership
Speaking at the same meeting, Kisumu woman representative Ruth Odinga dismissed the faction within ODM that is using the upcoming November by-elections to push for a merger-like arrangement with UDA.
Source: Twitter
Ruth, Raila’s youngest sister, revealed that the late leader’s final wish was for ODM to remain united and strong.
She criticised members who have recently leaned toward Ruto and who are suggesting that ODM’s survival depends on joining forces with the president’s UDA party.
Ruth insisted that ODM must retain its independence and pursue its political agenda as a standalone entity.
“I was with Baba in his final moments. He personally told me to ensure the party stays strong. Without a strong ODM, we’re going nowhere. Let’s not be afraid, ODM is the largest party, and we’re not abandoning it. The by-elections are coming, and we’re contesting them as ODM. There’s no party called ‘broad-based.’ In Malava, UDA will run independently, and so will ODM in other races,” she said.
Will ODM partner with UDA in by-elections?
Separately, Sifuna rejected attempts by UDA to broker a political alliance with ODM ahead of the November by-elections.
He took issue with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, accusing him of misleading the ODM members by suggesting that both parties would present “broad-based” candidates in the minipolls.
Kindiki had earlier stated that UDA would support ODM’s candidate in Kasipul, with ODM expected to return the favour in Malava, Banissa, and other areas where by-elections are scheduled.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
