“Numbers Don’t Lie” Sifuna Claims Ruto Has Lost Support Ahead Of 2027 Polls
Politics Updated: 30 April 2026 19:40 EAT
Linda Mwananchi faction Leader Edwin Watenya Sifuna spoke to Media in address to his supporters in a theme of good leadership
Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has renewed calls for internal party reforms, stronger democracy within political parties, and accountability in leadership, while also defending his Linda Mwananchi political mobilisation movement.
Speaking during a media interview on Thursday, Sifuna insisted that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) must return power to its members through structured internal competition and democratic processes.
“I want a leadership that has a mandate from the membership of ODM and possesses legitimacy,” he said, adding that the party should hold a National Delegates Convention where all positions are contested.
He emphasized that leadership positions should not be protected, stating: “Let’s have an National Delegates Convention (NDC) where all our positions are subjected to competition. I have no problem with that—you can run whoever you want against me, and if they win, let them do the job of Secretary General.”
Sifuna also spoke about the delicate balance between party leadership roles, particularly the relationship between the Party Leader and the Secretary General.
“The relationship between the Party Leader and the Secretary General is so intimate that if there are any tensions between them, it probably won't work correctly,” he noted.
He revealed that he had even contemplated stepping down to preserve party unity, saying: “I told him: ‘If you still feel that way, I will give you my letter of resignation today.’ The bigger interest is not me being SG; it is for the party to progress.”
Turning to national politics, Sifuna gave a sharp analysis of the 2027 election landscape, arguing that electoral numbers from 2022 indicate shifting political dynamics.
“Numbers don't lie. You can do the math yourself. If William Ruto was declared president by 200,000 votes in 2022, he has since lost a big chunk of his support,” he said.
He further claimed that ODM still retains strong support in key regions, stating: “In the Mt. Kenya region alone, we gave him almost 4 million votes out of the so-called 7 million he received.”
Sifuna also cited ODM leader Raila Odinga’s strategic outlook, saying the opposition believes retention of existing support bases could be decisive in the next election.
“Baba saw that 2027 is a great opportunity for ODM because all we need to do is retain our bases. The exact same number of people who voted for us in 2022 are enough to make us the winners in 2027,” he said.
On party discipline, Sifuna dismissed claims of formal endorsement of President William Ruto by ODM structures.
“Up to today, no one in the current leadership of ODM can show you a formal resolution by any organ of the party to support William Ruto,” he stated.
He also defended democratic freedoms, stressing that Kenya’s political system must protect civil liberties.
“Democracy has certain pillars. There are freedoms that underpin it: freedom of the media, freedom of civil society, freedom of speech, assembly, conscience, and worship,” he said.
Reflecting on the country’s political history, Sifuna added: “We were not always like this; young people today need to know it wasn't always possible to sit on a show like this and speak freely.”
He warned against weakening democratic institutions, stating: “The price of democracy is eternal vigilance. We would rather have a bad president who was elected through a process than a dictatorial military man in State House.”
Sifuna further criticised the misuse of development for repression, saying: “We are building magnificent highways, but for what? So that police cruisers and Subarus can quickly reach villages to abduct young people and make them disappear?”
He stressed that development must align with democratic values, adding: “Development must be done in the context of our essential values: democracy, freedom, and social justice.”
On integrity in leadership, Sifuna questioned political greed and ambition, urging restraint among leaders.
“It is never too late to do the right thing. All of us know that the ODM base and supporters do not support William Ruto’s re-election. He is bad for the country. So why force this decision on the membership?” he posed.
He revealed a personal commitment made to party leadership, stating: “I made a commitment to my boss at his funeral that it would not be Sifuna who wrecks his party.”
Sifuna reiterated that his role as Secretary General requires adherence to party resolutions, saying: “I have a responsibility as SG to read the resolutions of the party, and I know there is no resolution to support Ruto.”
He also reflected on his personal journey in politics and public service.
“The people of Nairobi honored me and elected me as their Senator. Because of that, I was given a mortgage by Parliament—I have a house,” he said.
Sifuna added that his focus is not personal accumulation, stating: “I came to this city with nothing, and now I have a car grant and a comfortable vehicle. I don't want anything else. There is a level of greed I see in people that makes me wonder: how much is enough?”
On the Linda Mwananchi movement, Sifuna said it has evolved into a national platform for civic mobilisation and political awareness.
“What we want to do is build this movement to a level where it is consequential. It is not about me; I found myself thrust here and people are singing 'Sifuna Season' across the country, but it’s not my doing,” he said.
He added that the movement aims to influence electoral outcomes at all levels of governance.
“I want us to be consequential in elections for MCAs and Members of Parliament,” Sifuna said.
He also criticised the quality of leadership in elective positions, questioning representation standards.
“Part of the problem is the people who end up in Parliament. Sometimes you sit in that Senate and look at the people sitting with you and wonder if these counties didn't have better people to put forward,” he remarked.
Sifuna concluded by reaffirming his commitment to democratic participation, internal party reform, and civic mobilisation through Linda Mwananchi, positioning it as a long-term political movement aimed at reshaping Kenya’s governance landscape.
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