Sen. Edwin Sifuna Alleges Why Oburu Odinga Should Be Smart & Walk Out of Broad-based Gov't

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has delivered a fiery political address in Busia, questioning the logic behind ODM leaders remaining in President William Ruto’s broad-based government.

In a speech that quickly went viral, Sifuna argued that if President Ruto failed to honour political agreements made with Raila Odinga, then it would be naïve to expect him to respect any arrangement involving Oburu Odinga or other ODM leaders.

Speaking during a public engagement with party supporters, Sifuna stated that ODM’s entry into the broad-based government was based on goodwill and the promise of structured cooperation, not blind loyalty.

He warned that the party risks losing its political identity if it continues to defend a government whose core agenda does not align with its values.

His remarks were widely interpreted as a direct challenge to ODM figures who have embraced the government, including Oburu Odinga, who currently holds a senior role in the broad-based arrangement.

Sifuna emphasized that ODM was founded as a reformist movement meant to hold power accountable, not to become an accessory to it.

He argued that participating in government without real influence over policy decisions reduces the party to a symbolic player rather than a meaningful political force.

The Nairobi Senator further accused the ruling coalition of using ODM leaders to create a false image of national unity while continuing with policies that contradict the party’s long-standing positions on economic justice, governance, and institutional reforms.

According to Sifuna, ODM risks being politically diluted and electorally punished if it fails to draw a clear line between cooperation and co-option.

His speech also reflected growing internal tensions within ODM. 

While some leaders believe working with the government offers a chance to influence policy from within, others fear it will weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sen. Edwin Sifuna belongs to the latter camp, advocating for a return to a principled opposition posture.

With Oburu Odinga increasingly visible in national government circles, Sifuna appears to be positioning himself as the voice of a younger, more assertive faction seeking ideological clarity.

The statement “If Ruto could not honour Raila, he cannot honour Oburu” has since become a rallying slogan among ODM youth supporters, reinforcing calls for the party to disengage from the broad-based government.