Raila Silent as Sifuna Faces Backlash Over Attacks on Ruto’s Government

Tensions are rising inside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party as some leaders call for action against Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over his repeated criticism of President William Ruto’s Government of National Unity. 

Meanwhile, party leader Raila Odinga has stayed silent, raising questions among insiders and observers.

On Tuesday night, during a live television interview, Sifuna strongly rejected the idea that ODM would support President Ruto’s re-election in 2027. 

He also dismissed the Government of National Unity agreement, claiming the opposition should remain independent and critical.

His remarks have caused discomfort within ODM, especially among leaders from Nairobi County. 

Makadara Member of Parliament George Aladwa, who also chairs the party in Nairobi, openly criticized Sifuna and questioned his loyalty to the party's direction.

“During that interview, Sifuna was speaking for himself, not for the party. ODM is part of the national unity agreement. If Sifuna no longer supports this, he should resign from his position,” Aladwa told reporters in Nairobi on Wednesday.

The Government of National Unity was announced earlier this year following dialogue between President Ruto and Raila Odinga. It was seen as a way to calm political tensions and bring opposition leaders into the process of national decision-making. 

ODM is one of the key opposition parties that agreed to the deal, which Sifuna himself signed in his capacity as the party’s secretary general.

Despite his earlier involvement, Sifuna now says he never meant to support Ruto’s political future. 

“That agreement was about peace and dialogue, not about supporting President Ruto in 2027,” Sifuna said during the interview. 

“I will support a different candidate who can stop Ruto from getting a second term.”

According to sources inside ODM, some close allies of Raila Odinga are concerned that Sifuna’s continued criticism may damage the party’s image and cause confusion among its supporters. 

One unnamed MP told reporters, “Sifuna must be careful. Some of us think he is being used by outsiders to weaken ODM from within.”

Despite the public criticism, Raila Odinga has not spoken publicly about the matter. His silence has left some party members wondering where he stands. 

“We need clear leadership now,” said another ODM official who declined to be named.

“Sifuna is a senior official, and if he goes unchecked, it sends the wrong message.”