Salasya Claims Sifuna Is Ruto–Raila’s Pick for Deputy President in 2027

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), is facing increasing scrutiny following allegations that he is being strategically positioned for a top national role in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election. 

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya asserts that Sifuna is being groomed as a potential deputy presidential candidate, with the backing of both President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, in a move designed to appeal to younger voters. These claims surface amid internal tensions within ODM, intensified by Sifuna's public criticism of the party’s cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). 

Sifuna recently declared the ODM–UDA Memorandum of Understanding "dead," citing police brutality and the death in custody of blogger Albert Ojwang as violations of the pact’s core principles. While Raila Odinga defended Sifuna’s right to dissent within the party, senior ODM figures, including Oburu Oginga and Peter Kaluma, have called for his resignation, accusing him of undermining party unity. Sifuna remains resolute, saying he will only step down if Raila personally requests his resignation.

Salasya's assertions suggest a calculated political strategy at play. He alleges that Sifuna’s dual messaging is designed to appeal to Gen Z voters while concealing a broader realignment between ODM and Kenya Kwanza. This potential realignment could signal a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape as parties strategise for the 2027 elections.