A political rift is emerging within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s appeal to Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya for political blessings and endorsement ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during a Linda Mwananchi movement rally in Kakamega, Sifuna—who is also the ODM Secretary General—addressed the former Kakamega Governor as a “political father” and asked for his backing. Sifuna declared that the Western Kenya region was done playing second fiddle in national politics and insisted it was time to support his presidential ambitions.
Sifuna publicly asked Oparanya to offer him political blessings (gweth) to lead the opposition push against President William Ruto in 2027.
Sifuna’s call comes amidst growing alignment between ODM leadership and the broad-based government, a stance Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi faction have actively criticized.
Oparanya and allies linked to the government faction maintained that political leadership and blessings are earned through party loyalty, structured consensus, and grassroots strengthening rather than individual rally proclamations.
The public exchange highlights deepening friction within ODM as different factions navigate their engagement with President Ruto’s administration versus mounting an independent opposition campaign for 2027.
