Sifuna, Orengo lead ODM revolt against Ruto, UDA deal in Busia

Led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, the leaders said ODM will field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 polls.

“ODM cannot join UDA. That will never happen,” Governor Orengo declared to cheering supporters in Busia.

“ODM is the party that will form the next government and it must have a presidential candidate. No one will force us to join a government we do not agree with.”

The Busia rally, attended by a cross-section of ODM legislators and allies from across the political divide, appeared designed to send a clear opposition stand on ODM-UDA coalition talks.

In sharp criticism of President Ruto’s administration, Orengo said ODM could not work with a government they accuse of presiding over the killings of young people during the 2024 Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill.

“UDA and its leader caused the deaths of many Gen Zs,” Orengo said. “I know here, at least 15 people were killed. We will not speak with anyone until these young people get justice. Raila Odinga said we do not want seats, but justice for the people, the fixing of the economy and jobs for our people.”

Sifuna said the party’s role now is to defend Kenyans against what he described as corruption and poor governance under the current regime.

“President Ruto’s government killed many youths here in Busia. And when we ask questions, we are branded rebels,” Sifuna said as the crowd broke into “Ruto Wantam” chants. “We must ask questions.”

He was categorical that the 10-point MoU with UDA was never intended to form the basis of a political alliance or coalition between the two parties.

“If anyone is dreaming that they will do an extension of that agreement, they must go to Bondo and seek Raila’s permission,” Sifuna said.

“Up to now, there is nothing they have done to implement that MoU, and some are telling us to do another deal. If Ruto has not implemented a deal with Raila, do you think he will implement one with Oburu?”

The remarks were seen as an direct swipe at Oburu, who is pushing for a deal with Ruto in 2027.

Sifuna added that ODM would only work with political partners who share Raila’s values and vision for the country.

The rally drew several prominent lawmakers, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi and former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo.

Senator Osotsi, who is also one of ODM’s deputy party leaders, accused what he termed the “pro-broad-based” faction within the party of having been politically compromised by President Ruto.

“We will not accept Ruto to take over ODM,” Osotsi said. “They are telling us to get into a union with UDA. Will you accept such a marriage? We say UDA tawe (no)!”

In a direct challenge to Oburu and other leaders perceived to be leaning towards cooperation with the government, Osotsi insisted that ODM must produce its own presidential candidate. He maintained that there are capable leaders within the party ranks who can mount a serious bid for the presidency.

Caroli Omondi, recently named Azimio la Umoja’s secretary general, echoed the sentiment, saying ODM and its Azimio coalition partners remain focused on forming the next administration.

“ODM and our partners in Azimio will form the next government,” Omondi said, in what appeared to be a reference to the coalition’s 2027 ambitions.

The Busia meeting further showed the growing division within ODM over how to deal with the Kenya Kwanza administration without losing its identity.