Sifuna fires warning shot at Ruto ahead of 2027 showdown

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has fired a bold warning at President William Ruto, saying the Head of State will be in for a major surprise come the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an ODM delegates’ meeting in Mombasa on Saturday, November 1, 2025, Sifuna dismissed Ruto’s recent remarks that Raila Odinga was his only worthy competitor, insisting that the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) should brace for a serious challenge from ODM.

Sifuna told party members that ODM is already preparing to field its own presidential candidate in 2027, emphasizing that the opposition party remains strong and united.

ODM Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna during a past media media presser. Photo: Courtesy

“Sai kila mtu akona mambo yake, anasema baba aliniambia hivi, baba alisema vile lakini ile tunaweza kubaliana ni yale alituambia sisi sote.

"Tukiwa wazi mbele ya umma, baba alisema tunajitayarisha kwa ajili ya uchaguzi wa 2027 tuweze kutoa candidate wetu. Najua hakuna jambo inaweza wekwa mbele yetu itushinde.

"Tukiamua tunasimamisha party leader wetu, tutashinda uchaguzi, tukisema SG ndo asimame, tunashinda kura asubuhi na mapema,” he said.

The Nairobi Senator added that Ruto will be shocked by ODM’s strength and the spirit within the movement.

President William Ruto speaks during a past rally. Photo: Courtesy

“Naskia kuna watu wanazunguka wakisema ni baba pekee angeweza kuwaangusha kwa uchaguzi. Kuna mjumbe ametuambia, mtoto wa simba ni simba. Watashangaa sana,” Sifuna declared.

Sifuna further cautioned that ODM’s 2027 strategy will not be decided by a few individuals but through collective consultation.

“We are yet to agree on how to move forward in 2027, and it will not be left to a few people,” he noted.

He also condemned the violence witnessed in Tanzania, where protesters were injured during election-related unrest.

President William Ruto gestures after attending the burial of the late Raila Odinga. Photo: Courtesy

“Mambo ambayo tunayaona Tanzania, ni ya kusikitisha. Nataka kuwaonya, kwa kuwa mnadhani Tanzania ni mbali.

"Ugonjwa wa kukandamiza wanademokrasia, ni jukumu letu kusema hapana, kwa kuwa ni rahisi sana ugonjwa huo kuvuka border,” Sifuna said.

Sifuna’s remarks set the stage for a heated 2027 political showdown, with ODM signaling that it is ready to face Ruto head-on.