Sifuna: The unlikely figure at Ruto, Raila pact signing

By Wanderi Kamau

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna emerged as the most unexpected figure at the signing of a new working agreement between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Friday, March 7, 2025.

Although Sifuna attended the high-profile event in his official capacity as ODM Secretary-General and appended his signature to the coalition agreement, his body language and demeanor revealed deep discomfort with the unfolding political alliance.

Ruto’s critic

A fierce critic of President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, Sifuna has been among the loudest voices opposing what he often describes as the government’s “economic mismanagement and authoritarian tendencies.” His presence at a ceremony formalizing ODM’s cooperation with the same administration appeared to place him in a position of inner conflict.

Also read: Aladwa accuses Sifuna of being Gachagua’s puppet

Speaking briefly after the event, Sifuna admitted that the decision to work with Kenya Kwanza had not been easy for many within ODM, himself included.

“I am here because of my duty as Secretary-General,” Sifuna said. “But let me be honest, my reservations about this administration are well documented. I have not changed my views overnight. However, as a party, we move together, and if this is the decision of our leadership, we will abide—while continuing to push for accountability.”

The agreement, signed by President Ruto and Raila, lays out a framework for cooperation focused on implementing the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, curbing government excesses, ending abductions, and fighting corruption.

Yet for Sifuna, the challenge now lies in balancing his opposition credentials with the new spirit of partnership.

Tensions within ODM

Political analysts have described his visible displeasure as a reflection of underlying tensions within ODM about the pact with Kenya Kwanza.

“Edwin Sifuna has built his brand on speaking truth to power, especially this government. His discomfort today tells you there are still factions within ODM that are uneasy about cozying up to Ruto,” said political analyst Prof Peter Kamau. “It remains to be seen how Sifuna will navigate this new reality without losing his political identity.”

Despite his reservations, Sifuna assured party members and supporters that ODM would continue holding the government to account.

“Working together doesn’t mean silence. It means we can now demand action on the commitments made today with even greater force,” he said.

As ODM embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on leaders like Sifuna to see whether cooperation with Kenya Kwanza will soften their criticism or sharpen their focus on reforms