Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has ignited political debate after claiming that Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna is being groomed for a top political position ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement that has stirred speculation, Salasya suggested that Sifuna could be a key figure in a high-level political strategy involving both Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto. He alleged that the youthful senator might be in line for a deputy presidency slot under Ruto, aimed at winning the crucial youth vote.
“Make no mistake. He is being groomed for a higher role in 2027, possibly as Ruto’s DP. It’s a high-level political move. Don’t buy into their narrative,” Salasya warned, hinting at behind-the-scenes political engineering.
Salasya’s remarks come amid growing tension within ODM ranks regarding a possible alliance with the ruling UDA party. Sifuna has been vocal in opposing any formal collaboration, insisting that the Kenya Kwanza administration has failed to honour its promises. He specifically pointed to the government’s failure to implement a ten-point agenda reportedly agreed upon in a working relationship between ODM and UDA.
The Nairobi Senator recently declared that the purported pact between ODM and UDA was “dead,” citing growing disillusionment, ongoing police brutality, and the recent death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Sifuna has also acknowledged pressure from the public and party supporters, with many urging him to step down if the ODM leadership continues aligning with Ruto. “I have not yet resigned as SG because I still believe there is some glimmer of hope,” he said, adding that he remains optimistic ODM will reconsider the merger and return to championing public interests.
However, he issued a clear ultimatum: “If the party decides to go ahead with the merger in 2027, then I will have no option but to resign.”
As political realignments continue to unfold, Salasya’s claims could be a sign of deeper divisions and shifting loyalties that may redefine Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the next polls.
