Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna is facing growing resistance within his party as a faction allied to President William Ruto intensifies efforts to undermine his position. This internal friction resurfaced following a recent church service in Nairobi attended by President Ruto, where some ODM leaders defied Sifuna’s directive to boycott the event.
Sifuna had earlier advised ODM leaders to avoid engaging with the Kenya Kwanza administration, emphasizing the party’s opposition role. However, several ODM members, including Makadara MP George Aladwa, not only attended the service but also showered President Ruto with praise. In a bold move, Aladwa warned that ODM leaders who continue resisting government engagements would face disciplinary action after the African Union Commission chairperson election in February, where Raila Odinga is a key contender.
This development has sparked speculation that pro-Ruto ODM members are reviving past internal conflicts that led to the ousting of top officials seen as obstacles to political realignment. Sifuna’s strong stance against party disloyalty makes him a prime target, with his critics seeking to weaken his influence ahead of 2027. The friction mirrors past ODM power struggles that saw rebels sidelined or pushed out.
With President Ruto actively courting opposition leaders, Sifuna’s firm grip on ODM affairs is now under threat. His fate could depend on how Raila Odinga navigates the delicate balance between party unity and shifting political alliances. If the pro-Ruto camp gains ground, Sifuna may find himself increasingly isolated, marking the beginning of a fresh battle for ODM’s soul.