The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, has responded sharply to President William Ruto’s recent comments that suggested the late Raila Odinga was the only politician capable of challenging him in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an ODM delegates meeting held in Mombasa on Saturday, November 1, Sifuna criticized the President’s remarks, insisting that the ODM party remains strong and well-organized even in Raila’s absence.
He emphasized that ODM’s power and unity come from its collective membership, not just one individual.
“I’ve heard some people saying that only the late Raila Odinga could have faced Ruto in 2027. But let me remind them — the young lion is still a lion. We are still strong, and they will be surprised,” Sifuna declared confidently, drawing cheers from party members.
The Nairobi Senator, who has been one of Ruto’s fiercest critics, went on to caution the Head of State against underestimating ODM’s influence across the country.
He maintained that the party was preparing to field candidates for all elective seats in the upcoming elections.
“I am confident that we will win even if ODM decides to nominate me or anyone else as the presidential candidate. Our strength does not lie in one person; it lies in our vision and the trust Kenyans have in us,” Sifuna stated firmly.
Sifuna’s response followed Ruto’s controversial comments made two days earlier while addressing residents in Kakamega County during his development tour on Thursday, October 30.
The President had told the crowd that Raila Odinga was his only true competitor, adding that no other opposition figure posed any serious challenge to his leadership.
“The only person who could have given me a real challenge was Raila Odinga. The rest are not a threat — I will defeat them very early in the morning of election day,”
Ruto said confidently, while urging opposition leaders to focus on development instead of divisive politics.
Ruto also criticized the opposition’s campaign slogans such as Wantam and Kasongo, saying they would not help them win over voters.
He encouraged leaders to engage Kenyans on issues of development, unity, and economic growth rather than relying on catchy phrases or political rhetoric.
Sifuna, however, dismissed the President’s remarks as political arrogance, arguing that the ODM party has continued to grow stronger at the grassroots level and would surprise Ruto in 2027.
According to him, the President’s attempt to downplay ODM’s strength was a sign of fear and insecurity.
“The people of Kenya know what they want. ODM is not a party of slogans — it is a party built on history, sacrifice, and progress. We are ready for 2027, and we will meet them at the ballot,” Sifuna said.
The exchange between the two leaders adds to the growing political tension as Kenya heads toward the next general elections.
With Raila Odinga’s absence leaving a political vacuum in the opposition, figures like Sifuna are increasingly taking the lead in defending ODM’s image and asserting its readiness to challenge President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration in 2027.
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