Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has dismissed President William Ruto’s recent claim that Raila Odinga is his only serious challenger in the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking during an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) delegates meeting in Mombasa on Saturday, November 1, Sifuna maintained that the party remains a formidable force even without Raila at the helm. He emphasized that ODM’s strength lies in collective leadership, not in one individual.
“I have heard people claiming that only the late Raila could challenge them in 2027. The young lion is still a lion. They will be shocked,” Sifuna said, hinting that the party could present a new face to battle Ruto in the next general election.
The Nairobi Senator, who has been one of Ruto’s most vocal critics, insisted that ODM would field candidates in all elective positions across the country. “I know we will win if we front any candidate in the 2027 elections. Even if you decide to front me, we will still win,” he declared confidently.
Sifuna’s remarks came just days after President Ruto told residents of Kakamega that Raila Odinga was his only “worthy competitor,” suggesting that other opposition figures posed no serious challenge. Speaking on Thursday, October 30, during his development tour in Malava, Ruto said he expected an easy win in 2027, claiming he would “defeat the rest very early in the morning.”
Ruto accused opposition leaders of relying on divisive slogans instead of presenting concrete development plans to Kenyans.
Sifuna’s sharp response now signals ODM’s renewed confidence as the 2027 race takes shape, with the party expected to unveil a strong candidate to challenge Ruto’s re-election bid.
