Sifuna Calls Out Ruto for Labeling Raila His Only Worthy 2027 Rival, Hints at ODM Fronting Candidate

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has fired back at President William Ruto following his remarks that the late Raila Odinga was his only worthy opponent in the upcoming 2027 general election.

Speaking during the ODM party’s delegates meeting in Mombasa on Saturday, Sifuna dismissed Ruto’s assertions, maintaining that the ODM party remains strong and capable of unseating the President, even in Raila’s absence.

“I have heard people going around claiming that it was only the late Raila who was able to challenge them in the forthcoming 2027 elections. The young lion is still a lion. They will be shocked,” Sifuna declared.

Sifuna emphasized that ODM’s foundation does not rest on a single leader but on the collective strength and unity of its members. He further stated that the party intends to field candidates in all elective positions in the next election.

“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 said confidently.

Ruto’s Remarks Stir Political Reactions

Sifuna’s response follows comments made by President Ruto while addressing residents of Kakamega on Thursday, October 30, during the first day of his development tour in Malava. The President had claimed that Raila Odinga was his only real competitor in 2027, adding that other politicians in the opposition posed no significant challenge.

“The only person who could have posed a challenge against me is Raila, but the rest are nothing to me; I will defeat them very early in the morning,” Ruto remarked.

The President also criticized opposition leaders for engaging in divisive politics, urging them to focus on development-oriented agendas instead of empty rhetoric.

“I want to challenge those people who are spreading hate and divisive politics to tell Kenyans their concrete plans for this country rather than mere rhetoric,” he said.

Ruto reiterated that slogans like ‘Wantam’ and ‘Kasongo’ would not deliver victory at the ballot box, emphasizing that only tangible development and unity would win over the electorate.

Sifuna’s sharp retort has reignited political debate within the opposition ranks, with ODM supporters rallying behind his call to strengthen the party ahead of 2027.

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Sifuna Calls Out Ruto for Labeling Raila His Only Worthy 2027 Rival, Hints at ODM Fronting Candidate