“Sifuna Alleges Ruto Camp Planned to Replace Him at ODM Mombasa Event”

HeadlineSifuna: Ruto camp plotted to replace me at ODM Mombasa event

SubheadingIn a dramatic claim, ODM SG Edwin Sifuna says allies of President Ruto tried to sideline him — escalating tensions within ODM as he vows to fight ahead of the 2027 polls.

Lead / Introduction

Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has publicly accused allies of President William Ruto of plotting to replace him as party SG during an ODM event in Mombasa. According to Sifuna, the move is part of a larger strategy by Ruto’s camp to weaken internal dissent and consolidate influence. He insists he remains ready to “join hands with any leader” who will help “unseat Ruto in 2027.”

Background & Political Context

Sifuna has repeatedly made clear that he will not support Ruto’s re-election in 2027 — even if ODM formally backs him. He defended his absence from some events involving Ruto, saying the MoU between ODM and UDA doesn’t bind him to attend certain presidential functions. In a related development, Sifuna reaffirmed that despite pressure, he still holds the position of ODM Secretary-General, even after Ruto convened an ODM founders’ meeting in Mombasa. He has also questioned Ruto’s framing of Raila Odinga as his only significant rival, suggesting ODM could front another candidate.

Key Allegations & Political Implications

1. Plot to Replace

Sifuna alleges that Ruto-aligned insiders were grooming someone else to take over his ODM SG role during the Mombasa event — a serious internal power play. He frames it as more than just a political maneuver: “They don’t want me there.”

Political Rebellion

Rather than back down, Sifuna is openly defiant. He says he is ready to build alliances with like-minded leaders to challenge Ruto’s grip on power. He describes removing Ruto from office as the top priority for the opposition, calling it a national imperative.

Internal Party Tensions

Some within ODM echo similar accusations: insiders are reportedly pushing to oust Sifuna, with names being floated to replace him.Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has told Sifuna to quit ODM if he cannot support the party’s alignment with Ruto. Robert Alai went further, accusing Sifuna of working as a mole for former DP Rigathi Gachagua, with the aim of weakening ODM from within.

Reactions & Possible Consequences

From ODM Leadership: This public airing of internal grievances could force a formal investigation or disciplinary mechanism — especially if more party insiders align with Sifuna’s claim.

From the Opposition: Sifuna’s stance might galvanize opposition forces, positioning him as a principled voice in a potential anti-Ruto coalition.

For 2027 Elections: If his claims resonate widely, they could weaken Ruto’s influence in ODM and shift power dynamics. Sifuna’s vow to “join hands with any leader” signals that he is preparing for a long political battle, not just rhetoric

Party Legitimacy: Replacing a critical SG in such a way could spark debate within ODM about democratic governance, accountability, and whether loyalty to leadership should override internal dissent.