Outspoken Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has once again stirred up political debate after indicating his willingness to step down from his position if the party leadership demands it.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday night, Sifuna opened up about internal party tensions and criticisms surrounding ODM’s recent rapprochement with the government, as well as his continued defiance of the partnership between his party and Kenya Kwanza.
“If I were asked to step aside as SG of ODM, I would,” said Sifuna. “Even when I became SG of ODM, I was asked if we gave you this position, would you be able to do it, and I said yes. If that same person calls me today and says Sifuna, I have lost confidence in your ability to do this job, this position is not mine, I would relinquish it without blinking.”
Sifuna's remarks come as sharp criticism from some party members and supporters who feel that ODM has shifted from its traditional role as a watchdog of the government to one of quiet cooperation, with the criticism continuing to mount. His public defence of ODM's direction has put him at odds with certain factions within the party and its supporters.
Despite the criticism, Sifuna maintained that he still believes in ODM's mission and has not given up on the party or its base.
“The reason I will not resign yet is that I have not given up. I have not given up on members of the ODM,” he noted. “There is still belief and trust within the ranks of the party that Baba knows what is right for the people and that he will do the right thing.”
He added that, should the day come when he no longer believes ODM is on the right track, he will make that known. “On the day that I give up, I will say it publicly that I have lost the battle to rescue this party and to bring it back to where it was.”
In response to suggestions that he should join or form a different party alongside Raila Odinga, Sifuna flatly rejected any invitation or linkages with the Green Thinking Action Party.
“I don’t have to be SG, but I will be happy to be a small fish in a big pond rather than go and be a big fish in some small pond somewhere,” he said.
Sifuna also touched on the 2027 presidential race, insisting that ODM can still produce credible candidates. He dismissed suggestions that the party was running out of options to regain favour with Kenyans over its decision to work with the President.
“ODM has not run out of leaders. ODM has not run out of the ability to produce presidential candidates. My view about 2027 is that there will be no room for sentiment,” he emphasised.
He added that the focus must remain on removing President William Ruto from power, regardless of personal preferences or past disagreements. “The project of removing William Ruto does not allow for sentiment. We will not work with angels — even Sifuna is not an angel,” he said.
The Nairobi Senator also weighed in on the possibility of working with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who has recently been floated as a potential opposition figurehead. While acknowledging Matiang’i’s controversial legacy, Sifuna did not rule out collaboration.
“Matiang’i has his faults. Examine the history of everyone. Matiang’i has his faults, but if he is going to help us remove William Ruto, so be it,” he stated.
Sifuna’s remarks are likely to deepen the ongoing discussion within ODM over the party’s future direction and leadership strategy, as well as his position and future within the party, as it balances loyalty to its founding ideals with the realities of coalition politics.
Meanwhile, ODM recently announced it will convene its National Delegates Convention (NDC) in October 2025, a key event that will set the stage for the 2027 General Elections.
According to the party, the NDC will be used to elect national party officials. This would be an opportunity for the party to renew or change its leadership as it prepares for the next elections.
