Sifuna: Ruto Has Failed Kenyans and Should Serve Only One Term

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is sharpening its stance against the Kenya Kwanza administration as the 2027 general elections loom.

Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has issued a sharp critique of President William Ruto's government. Sifuna contends that the current administration has failed to align its governance with the needs of the Kenyan populace, suggesting it warrants only a single term in office. Sifuna's remarks come as ODM intensifies its preparations for the 2027 polls, solidifying its commitment to fielding a presidential candidate. 

In an exclusive interview, Sifuna reaffirmed the party's historical ambition of vying for the presidency since its inception, asserting that ODM remains steadfast in its pursuit of power. He dismissed any speculation that the party might reconsider its strategy, underscoring its core mission to compete for and attain national leadership.

As part of its strategic overhaul, ODM has been conducting grassroots elections to reinvigorate leadership at various levels. This process, initiated in late 2024 at the polling station level, has advanced through ward and constituency elections, with the final phase encompassing county and national leadership positions slated for completion soon.

Despite swirling concerns over the party's trajectory following its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Sifuna maintains that ODM's core principles remain unshaken. He argues that the agreement has not diluted the party's values but has instead reinforced them. Sifuna elaborated that the MoU's ten agenda points reflect issues long championed by ODM, and securing UDA's commitment to these priorities represents a significant victory for the opposition. 

He clarified that the agreement does not constitute a coalition or presage any political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections. With the Kenya Kwanza administration having approached its 1,000-day milestone, Sifuna has offered a rigorous assessment of its governance. He alleges that the government has faltered on its key promises, particularly in alleviating the tax burden, improving living standards, fostering national unity, and curbing police brutality. Instead, he asserts, the administration has exacerbated economic hardship, increased public frustration, and engaged in excessive spending.

Sifuna delineated three critical areas where he believes the government has erred. First, he criticised its failure to heed the concerns of the people, citing the controversy surrounding the Finance Bill of 2024 as a prime example of public concerns being disregarded. Second, he called for greater transparency in governance, arguing that honesty is essential for fostering public trust. Lastly, he urged the administration to uphold the constitution and respect citizens' rights, asserting that its disregard for legal and democratic principles has fomented widespread discontent.

Sifuna remains a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza government, dismissing the notion of a "broad-based" administration. He insisted that all officials serving under President Ruto are integral members of the Kenya Kwanza government and should be recognised as such. Sifuna's remarks appeared to target former ODM members who have joined the government, asserting that Cabinet Secretaries should refrain from partisan politics. He argued that those who have aligned themselves with Kenya Kwanza have effectively abandoned their ODM allegiance and should be judged accordingly.

Despite claims that ODM has lost its voice in holding the government accountable, Sifuna insists that the party remains actively involved in championing public interests. He highlighted ODM's advocacy against abductions, police brutality, and violations of constitutional rights, as well as its push for stronger devolution. He maintains that the party continues to speak out on critical issues affecting Kenyans, even as some of its former members shift their loyalties.

Regarding economic matters, Sifuna reiterated ODM's longstanding position that Kenyans are overburdened by taxation. He welcomed the absence of new taxes in the Finance Bill 2025 but argued that more must be done to repeal oppressive levies introduced in previous bills. Quoting ODM leader Raila Odinga's famous phrase, "Punda ilichoka kitambo" (the donkey got tired long ago), Sifuna underscored the need for economic relief and policies that prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens.