By Mulembe Times | July 23, 2025
Nairobi Senator Eliud Sifuna clashes with ODM over possible alliance with President Ruto, calling the broad-based government idea “dead.” His bold stance threatens his position in the party.
In the latest wave of political unrest within Kenya’s leading opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Nairobi Senator Eliud Sifuna has found himself at the center of growing tension and uncertainty. Known for his sharp wit, eloquent criticism, and unwavering loyalty to ODM, Sifuna’s recent public rebuke of any potential alliance between the party and President William Ruto has raised serious questions about ODM’s future political direction—and his own position within it.
At a recent political forum in Nairobi, Sifuna openly stated that he would not support ODM should it choose to back Ruto in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, describing such a move as a betrayal of the party’s foundational principles. His remarks came just days after ODM leader Raila Odinga hinted at embracing a “broad-based government” approach—an idea seen by many as a soft alignment with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“Let me be clear,” Sifuna declared to a cheering crowd. “If ODM backs Ruto in 2027, I will not follow them down that path. We did not fight for democracy only to abandon it at the altar of political convenience.”
These comments have sent shockwaves through ODM’s ranks, exposing deep ideological rifts and renewing concerns about party discipline and cohesion. Some party insiders view Sifuna’s statements as courageous and principled, while others interpret them as divisive and rebellious—potentially putting him on a collision course with ODM’s top leadership.
ODM’s Loyal Foot Soldier
Eliud Sifuna is no stranger to political confrontation. A trained advocate of the High Court of Kenya, he ventured into politics after years of private legal practice and service as a political strategist. His rise in ODM has been steady and strategic. In 2017, he unsuccessfully contested for the Nairobi senatorial seat, but his performance and charisma earned him respect within the party. The following year, he was appointed ODM Secretary-General—a powerful position that allowed him to influence party strategy, structure, and communication.
In his dual role as Senator and ODM Secretary-General, Sifuna has embodied the party’s youth-focused, reformist image. He has been instrumental in defending ODM policies, articulating opposition strategies, and representing the party in national debates. Yet, even as he thrived within the ODM framework, he has not shied away from calling out what he sees as political missteps, even when they emanate from within his own camp.
His current feud with the party over the “broad-based government” proposal is perhaps his boldest act of defiance yet—and the most politically risky.
The Broad-Based Government Debate
The idea of a “broad-based government” was first floated by President William Ruto earlier this year, positioning it as a unifying mechanism to ease post-election tensions and bring the opposition into the fold of governance. While some political observers praised it as a step toward national cohesion, critics dismissed it as an attempt to co-opt the opposition and undermine democratic accountability.
Raila Odinga’s recent openness to the idea, amid the ongoing National Multi-Sectoral Dialogue Forums, has led to confusion and growing resentment among some ODM supporters, who fear that the party may be drifting toward a power-sharing arrangement with Kenya Kwanza.
Sifuna, reflecting the sentiments of ODM’s grassroots, has come out strongly against the proposal.
“The so-called broad-based agreement is dead,” he proclaimed during a live interview on a local radio station. “It’s a political gimmick meant to neutralize the opposition and weaken our resolve. ODM should not be part of it.”
His declaration earned him praise from civil society and youth groups who view the broad-based model as a betrayal of voter trust. However, it also drew the ire of some ODM officials who see his stance as undermining party unity and Raila’s authority.
Threats to His Position
As the friction escalates, there are murmurs within the party that Sifuna could face disciplinary action for his remarks. Several senior ODM figures, speaking anonymously, have indicated that a special meeting may be convened to determine whether his conduct amounts to insubordination.
“There’s a process to airing disagreements,” said one party insider. “If you go to the media every time you disagree with the leadership, you’re undermining the party’s cohesion.”
Sifuna, for his part, has remained unfazed by the threats, insisting that he is guided by principle, not politics.
“My loyalty is to the people who voted for us and the ideals ODM has always stood for—justice, equity, and democracy. If that puts me in trouble, so be it.”
His defiance has triggered a national debate: Is Sifuna the last true opposition voice in ODM, or is he a political rogue risking the collapse of a fragile party structure?
What This Means for ODM—and Kenya
With less than two years to the 2027 elections, ODM faces a major identity crisis. The party must now decide whether to reposition itself as a moderate force willing to cooperate with the government or to remain a steadfast opposition voice.
Sifuna’s opposition to Ruto’s leadership taps into a broader dissatisfaction among voters who feel betrayed by shifting political alliances. His messaging resonates especially with younger Kenyans and urban voters disillusioned by what they see as transactional politics.
If ODM proceeds with a rapprochement with Ruto, it risks losing key constituencies to new or existing parties that promise firm opposition. On the other hand, alienating figures like Sifuna could fracture the party further, leading to splinter movements or even defections.
Call to Action: Speak Up, Stay Engaged
As ODM and other opposition parties navigate these turbulent waters, Kenyans must remain vigilant. The future of democracy in the country depends on a vibrant, principled opposition that can hold the government accountable.
This is the moment for citizens, especially the youth, to demand transparency from their political leaders. What kind of opposition do you want? Should ODM embrace power-sharing, or stick to its traditional watchdog role?
Engage in the conversation. Tweet your views, write to your MP, attend town hall meetings. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of Kenya’s democracy.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. Kenya’s political future is in your hands.
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