Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General, Edwin Sifuna, on Friday, November 21, 2025, declared he remains firmly in his party position, dismissing what he termed as threats from the Head of State. Speaking at a fundraiser for widows at Magena Primary School in Bomachoge Borabu, Kisii County, Sifuna’s defiant stance has intensified the focus on the growing ideological battle within Kenya's largest opposition party.

The comments follow a contentious ODM founders' dinner held in Mombasa on Saturday, November 15, 2025, an event attended by President William Ruto, himself a founding member of the party. The President's presence at the ODM@20 anniversary celebrations underscored a complex political dynamic, particularly after he had warned Sifuna on April 12, 2025, that he would convene such a meeting to discipline the outspoken senator. Sifuna's address in Bomachoge was a direct response to these events, asserting his political survival and continued authority within the party structure.

A Party at a Crossroads

Sifuna's declaration comes as ODM navigates a turbulent period of transition and internal debate over its future direction. Since the death of its founder, Raila Odinga, the party has been grappling with whether to continue its cooperation with President Ruto's administration under a 'broad-based government' arrangement or to revert to its traditional role as a fiery opposition force. This fundamental disagreement has created visible cracks within the party's leadership.

One faction, seemingly led by the party's interim leader Dr. Oburu Oginga, advocates for continued dialogue and engagement with the government, arguing it is the most pragmatic path to influence policy and maintain stability. Conversely, stalwarts like Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are pushing for a return to street protests and robust opposition, warning that the party risks losing its identity and relevance. Sifuna, alongside other youthful MPs in the 'Kenya Moja Alliance', appears to align with the latter, rejecting a push to support Ruto's re-election.

The Allegation Against the President

The history of the alleged threats dates back to a funeral in Siaya County on April 12, 2025, where President Ruto, agitated by Sifuna's criticism of his administration, publicly warned the senator. The President, highlighting his own role in ODM's formation, suggested he could call a founders' meeting to discipline Sifuna. The subsequent dinner in Mombasa, hosted by the President on November 15, was seen by many as the culmination of this warning. In his Bomachoge speech, Sifuna directly referenced this history, framing his continued role as SG as a victory over presidential intimidation.

As of Friday evening, State House had not issued a formal response to Senator Sifuna's latest claims. However, the accusation injects fresh tension into the already strained relationship between the opposition and the executive, raising concerns about political intimidation and the space for dissent.

Implications for Kenyan Politics

The internal strife within ODM carries significant weight for the national political landscape. The party's decision on its relationship with the Kenya Kwanza government will decisively shape the country's trajectory towards the 2027 general election. On October 27, 2025, Sifuna had read a party statement affirming ODM's commitment to the broad-based government until 2027. However, his recent remarks, coupled with criticism of party members he claims are covertly pushing President Ruto's agenda, suggest a growing impatience with the current arrangement.

The divisions also reflect a generational struggle within the party, with younger leaders like Sifuna and Babu Owino challenging the established order and demanding a more confrontational approach. As ODM attempts to balance its revolutionary roots with the pragmatism of governance, the path it chooses will not only determine its own future but also the strength and nature of Kenya's opposition politics in the years to come.