Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Nairobi senator and ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna has criticised some ODM legislators who support President William Ruto, citing the party's hierarchy and unwavering loyalty to its leader, Raila Odinga.

Sifuna dismissed claims by some ODM MPs that the party should back Ruto due to his support for Raila’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid, which ended in defeat.

Speaking on Thursday, February 20 at Citizen TV, he argued that the ODM constitution places decision-making authority on coalitions and political endorsements solely in the hands of the party leader.

"ODM is a party of order with a clear hierarchy. When it comes to matters of the coalition and who we support as a presidential candidate is determined by the party leader, do not listen to any riffraff. Let us wait for Baba [Raila Odinga] to return and provide guidance," Sifuna stated.

Sifuna took issue with those citing Ruto’s gesture of sharing a vehicle with Raila on the AUC election day on February 15 as a basis for endorsing the president.

He described such reasoning as trivial and unbecoming of serious political discourse.

"Are you telling me that if Ruto had driven off and left Raila behind, there would have been no vehicle to take him to the venue? Let’s be serious as a party," he said.

The Nairobi senator dismissed the notion that Ruto’s support for Raila during the AUC chairmanship race should influence ODM’s political direction.

According to him, Ruto, being a former ODM founder, knows the party well and understands that loyalty is to Raila.

He further asserted that the day Raila announces his decision, those praising Ruto today will quickly change their tune.

Sifuna’s remarks came after Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo 'worshipped' Ruto’s efforts in supporting Raila’s failed AUC bid.

Gogo highlighted Ruto’s active involvement in Raila’s campaign, stating that his contributions would not go unnoticed.

However, Sifuna urged ODM members to remain steadfast and wait for Raila’s directive upon his return.

"The value of any premature endorsements is zero. Raila commands the loyalty of ODM, and his decision will unify the party, as always," Sifuna concluded.

The internal rift in ODM comes amid growing speculation about potential political realignments ahead of the next general elections.

However, Sifuna remains confident that the party will rally behind Raila when the time comes.

Meanwhile, Sifuna ruled out any possibility of ODM allying with Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration, emphasising that the party only collaborates with like-minded, pro-people, and competent groups.

He criticised the Kenya Kwanza government as the most ineffective administration since independence, citing its failure in managing both internal and international affairs.

Sifuna expressed confidence that Ruto will not win the 2027 presidential election, even with potential support from Raila.

Source: TUKO.co.ke