The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has strongly criticized President William Ruto for remarks suggesting that the late Raila Odinga would have been his only worthy opponent in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an ODM delegates’ meeting in Mombasa on Saturday, November 1, Sifuna dismissed Ruto’s statement as misguided and disrespectful, asserting that ODM remains a formidable political force capable of defeating Ruto even without Raila’s leadership.
“I have heard people going around claiming that it was only the late Raila who could challenge them in 2027. The young lion is still a lion. They will be shocked,” Sifuna said amid applause from party delegates.
The Nairobi Senator emphasized that ODM’s strength lies not in an individual, but in the collective will of its members and supporters. He hinted that the party was already preparing to field candidates in all elective seats, including the presidency.
“I know we will win if we front any candidate in the 2027 elections. Even if you decide to front me as a candidate, we will still win,” Sifuna remarked confidently.
Sifuna’s comments came just days after Ruto, during his development tour in Kakamega County, told residents that his only serious challenger in the upcoming election would have been Raila Odinga.
“The only person who could have posed a challenge against me is Raila. The rest are nothing to me; I will defeat them very early in the morning,” Ruto said while addressing a rally in Malava on October 30.
Ruto also took a swipe at the opposition, accusing them of engaging in divisive politics instead of presenting tangible solutions to Kenyans.
In response, Sifuna urged Ruto to focus on delivering his promises to Kenyans rather than mocking the opposition, adding that ODM would reorganize and surprise him in 2027.