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Political adviser Peter Mbae has warned that President William Ruto could lose the support of a section of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as more leaders gravitate towards Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Speaking during a television interview, Mbae argued that Sifuna was increasingly becoming a prominent figure among supporters who identify with the political legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Mbae’s remarks come amid disagreements within ODM over its cooperation arrangement with Ruto’s administration and the direction the party should take ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Mbae Predicts Possible ODM Exodus
Mbae claimed that several influential politicians were considering distancing themselves from the government arrangement, raising the possibility of further changes within the party.
He warned that Ruto could be left with a weakened ODM if leaders and supporters opposed to the broad-based government shifted their allegiance towards Sifuna’s camp.
However, the claim that six senior leaders are preparing to leave the arrangement has not been independently established, and the identities of the alleged defectors have not been confirmed.
The remarks nevertheless reflect the divisions that have emerged within ODM over whether the party should continue cooperating with the government or strengthen its opposition role.
Sifuna’s Political Influence
Sifuna has become a central figure in the dispute over ODM’s relationship with the administration.
The Nairobi senator has been associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, whose leaders have questioned the party’s cooperation with Ruto and called for a more independent political direction.
Mbae argued that Sifuna was increasingly associated with the ideals and political legacy of Raila, who led ODM for many years before his death.
The movement has also attracted other politicians who favour a different approach to the government partnership, although its eventual relationship with other opposition groups remains a developing issue.
Broad-Based Government Faces Political Questions
ODM’s cooperation with Ruto’s administration has remained a source of disagreement among party members.
Supporters of the arrangement have defended political engagement with the government, while critics have questioned whether the partnership adequately represents the expectations of ODM supporters.
The dispute has raised questions about the party’s future strategy, particularly as politicians begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.
Any significant departure by senior leaders could affect the coalition’s internal balance, but the extent of such changes will depend on decisions actually announced by the individuals concerned.
Opposition Realignment Ahead of 2027
The developments are unfolding as several political groups explore possible alliances ahead of the next general election.
Sifuna’s political activities and the Linda Mwananchi movement are part of wider discussions about opposition cooperation, leadership and the possibility of a common presidential candidate.
Mbae has previously argued that shifting political loyalties could reshape opposition calculations, particularly in Western Kenya and Nyanza. citeturn849371search1
For now, the suggestion that six senior leaders are preparing to abandon the government arrangement remains an allegation rather than a confirmed mass departure.
The coming months are expected to provide a clearer picture of whether ODM’s internal divisions lead to formal exits, new alliances or a change in its relationship with the government.
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