Edwin Sifuna: ODM can replace me, but I won’t support President Ruto
What you need to know:
- Mr Sifuna says Kenya needs a new political force to champion the rights of citizens suffering under poor leadership.
Mr Kalasinga condemned extrajudicial killings warning that allowing President Ruto another term would exacerbate the erosion of human rights.
A group of youthful Opposition politicians has unveiled a new political formation dubbed Kenya Moja, positioning itself as an alternative, youth-led leadership platform to address Kenya's growing governance challenges.
The movement, led by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and several opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), accuses President William Ruto’s administration of mismanagement, especially in the period leading up to the 2022 General Election.
Calling for a political renaissance, the leaders behind Kenya Moja say their objective is to ignite national debate and rally Kenyans against the current government’s failures.
Speaking on Sunday during a women’s empowerment event in Saboti, Trans Nzoia County, Mr Sifuna said the country needs a new political force to champion the rights of citizens suffering under poor leadership.
“I stand by my views against the government. I want to remind those in ODM who are questioning me that I have the right to speak my mind. I will not support ODM’s resolution to endorse William Ruto in 2027,” he said.
Mr Sifuna stressed that removing President Ruto from power is a national priority and not a personal vendetta.
“This is not personal. As leaders who stand for good governance and justice, we cannot allow poor leadership to persist,” he said.
The MPs behind Kenya Moja describe it as a fresh political agenda led by young leaders committed to confronting governance failures and offering hope to disillusioned Kenyans.
Mr Sifuna also expressed openness to working with like-minded leaders, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, in the effort to oust President Ruto. He also hinted at a possible exit from ODM.
“I am ready to be replaced in ODM, as I have heard someone is being groomed for my position,” he said.
Economic transformation
Some observers likened the Saboti event to government-sponsored empowerment drives, but host MP Caleb Amisi dismissed the comparisons.
“We are not here for tokenism. What we are doing is structured empowerment rooted in dignity, strategy and economic transformation,” Mr Amisi said.
He said that the initiative aims to bring youthful, visionary leadership to Western Kenya and achieve economic emancipation for a region that has long been politically marginalised.
Other MPs — including Kabuchai’s Majimbo Kalasinga and Bumula’s Jack Wamboka — joined in criticising the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Mr Kalasinga condemned persistent extrajudicial killings, warning that allowing President Ruto another term would exacerbate the erosion of human rights.
“The human rights space has shrunk under this government. If President Ruto gets a second term, it will only get worse,” he said.
Mr Wamboka lamented that many elected leaders forget their duty once in power, opting instead for self-enrichment.
“Aligning with the government is purely for selfish reasons. The government must focus on real projects that help Kenyans. Look at the education sector — it’s in shambles,” he said.
Mr Amisi claimed that he has faced threats for opposing the government, including being trailed by unknown vehicles — which he interpreted as an assassination attempt.
Stand with the people
“You will not kill us. We will stand with the people of Kenya,” he declared.
He further stated that he would quit ODM if Raila Odinga backs President Ruto in 2027.
“I cannot stand by and support a failed government. I won’t be on the wrong side of history,” he said.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba also took aim at the Kenya Kwanza administration, particularly for failures in the healthcare and education sectors.
“Linda Mama is not working. We must push for President Ruto to go because of his serious failures,” she said.
She urged the President to stop deceiving the public and take responsibility for the government's shortcomings.
“Stop lying, Mr President. The government is overwhelmed and underperforming. If I were in your position, I’d listen to Kenyans and correct my mistakes. But your arrogance is driving this country into ruin,” Ms Wamuchomba added.
Other leaders present included Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu and Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, who also voiced frustration with the government during the empowerment event.
