ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna-led Kenya Moja has announced it could field a presidential candidate in the 2027 race, presenting a fresh challenge to both the broad-based team and the United Opposition camps.
The nascent political formation – made up of youthful politicians drawn from across the political divide – is out to challenge the country’s political status quo by refusing to align with the two major coalitions ahead of the next polls.
On Sunday, the team announced their plan to offer alternative leadership away from the broad-based team made up of President William Ruto and veteran politician Raila Odinga on one hand and the United Opposition that brings together former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua , Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Martha Karua of People’s Liberation Party on the other side.
Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka gave the strongest indications yet that the team was ready to back Mr Sifuna to face off with President Ruto in the next contest.
“We speak because we are accountable. When things are going wrong, we must speak…As I see Senator Sifuna, with the people around us, come 2027, we are not afraid of anything. Let us have an option on the table for 2027,” Mr Wamboka said.
Bumula MP Jack Wanami Wamboka.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Similar remarks were also shared by Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, who urged Mr Odinga to release them from ODM and allow them to pursue a new political direction for the sake of the country.
“Release us 'Baba' to save our country. We are ready. We have given you for the last 60 years to lead, but you have been unable to stabilise the country. Release us,” Mr Amisi said.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi said that the new outfit, which has legislators across political parties, will ensure that President Ruto and Mr Odinga are defeated at the ballot.
Despite being the official spokesperson of ODM, Mr Sifuna has remained the fiercest critic of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Orange party and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He has publicly declared his plan to ditch ODM in the event the party opt to back President Ruto’s re-election. The latest pronouncement by the team threatens to deal ODM a political blow should Mr Sifuna lead other youthful leaders in a mass walkout ahead of the 2027 contest.
The formation, made up of Mr Sifuna, Mr Amisi, Mr Kibagendi, Mr Wamboka, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba, Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, and Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo, claimed threats from pro-government operatives to break them. They, however, vowed to remain united to capture power in 2027.
Embakasi East constituency Member of Parliament Babu Owino speaks during a Church service held on August 24, 2025, at Jesus Teaching Ministry (JTM) in Nairobi.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada| Nation Media Group
The declaration by the team adds to the growing list of 2027 presidential aspirants. The race is already getting crowded, even though the polls are still two years away.
The growing list of contenders, from seasoned politicians to emerging figures, is shaping the early political terrain— and possibly, according to some analysts, playing into President Ruto’s advantage.
Some political observers argue that the proliferation of aspirants often benefits incumbents in Kenya’s electoral landscape, while others say many candidates could force a runoff and unite behind an opposition figure who secures either position one or two in the second round.
While some aspirants have vowed to unite and form a formidable force to kick out President Ruto from power, others have promised to bite the bullet and face Dr Ruto head-on, accusing him of running down the country.
“It could work out negatively for Ruto if the opposition vote is fractured, but the first round of voting is inconclusive. This is where things get tricky for the incumbent. This is because the opposition wave will move towards opposition candidates' horse trading to get one opposition candidate to face off with Ruto,” explains Prof David Monda, a US-based university lecturer and political analyst.
“The opposition is very aware of 1992 and 1997 when Moi defeated a fragmented opposition and will not want that repeated. So an opposition alliance like NARC is likely in 2027 as it was in 2002,” he notes.
United Green Movement co-party leader Neto Agostinho (left) presents the party flag to former Chief Justice David Maraga during the launch of his 2027 presidential bid at the party’s head office in Nairobi.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
The Kenya Moja leaders made the declaration in Nairobi on Sunday at a banquet held by Mr Sifuna’s office to celebrate World Teachers' Day.
Mr Owino, who has announced interest in the Nairobi governor seat, said that teachers have played a key role in the country, and deserve better pay and health coverage.
“Teachers have been disrespected by the government. They are earning the least in this country, yet teachers are training other professions. Mr President, if you were genuine about teachers, those who never received their Sh10,000 from State House visit, send them through Mpesa,” Mr Owino said.
The MP said that Kenyans should come out and stand against the injustices that were being committed by the government before it was too late.
Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba called for the inclusion of teachers across the government sectors, where they would facilitate the government in decision-making.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba addresses journalists at Parliament building on March 21, 2023. She termed President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua as deceitful over the proposed Finance Bill 2023.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
According to Senator Sifuna, teachers in Nairobi have been neglected for years, while the cost of living in the city has continued to rise beyond what they earn.
“We must make sure that we represent you and we represent you properly, and the issues that you want to be presented on the table. When I see the deductions that come from my salary, paying SHA, and housing levy, yet they don’t care as long as they have been paid and have paid their contractors,” Senator Sifuna said.
The Senator added that they have come together as youths with a clear agenda of highlighting loopholes in the government.
