TWV Political Editor
The recent joint appearance of ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in Ukambani has ignited intense political speculation. The two addressed a roadside rally over the weekend, with both exchanging unusually warm compliments that have set tongues wagging in political circles.
The meeting came at a time when rumours are rife that Mr Sifuna is considering quitting ODM, following prolonged disagreements with close associates of Raila Odinga within the party. At the rally, Sifuna referred to Kalonzo as “My leader”, prompting questions over whether his political allegiance is shifting from Raila to Kalonzo.
Kalonzo, for his part, praised Sifuna during a Wiper Party gathering, promising him the Foreign Affairs Cabinet docket should he win the presidency in 2027. He also assured Sifuna of support for any elective seat he might seek. This has fuelled claims that Kalonzo may be grooming Sifuna as his running mate.
According to analysts, Kalonzo, already enjoying strong support in Ukambani and parts of the Mount Kenya region, wants a Luhya deputy to boost his presidential chances. Sifuna’s popularity among the Luhya community, his appeal to Gen-Z voters, and his Nairobi political base make him an attractive choice. Insiders say Kalonzo had initially considered DAP–K leader Eugene Wamalwa, but some supporters argue that Sifuna commands greater political weight.
Speculation is further driven by Nairobi’s political arithmetic. It is understood that Raila intends to back Governor Johnson Sakaja’s re-election bid, whether through ODM or a coalition with President William Ruto’s UDA, making it unlikely that ODM would also field a Luhya candidate for the Senate seat. This scenario may push Sifuna to seek an alternative political vehicle, possibly Wiper, either as a running mate or to reclaim the Nairobi Senate seat.
Some political observers believe that with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s backing, a Kalonzo–Sifuna ticket could pose a serious threat to President Ruto, potentially winning outright in the first round. Others point to the growing influence of the Kamba community in Nairobi as another incentive for Sifuna to align himself with Kalonzo’s camp.
There are also deeper concerns about ODM’s stability after Raila. If Raila were to exit active politics before the 2027 elections, the party could face a fierce internal power struggle, weakening its national appeal. As ODM Secretary-General, Sifuna may be positioning himself for life beyond Raila’s leadership, particularly given his opposition to Raila’s stated intention to support Ruto’s re-election bid, a move Sifuna has publicly rejected.
Political watchers say Sifuna’s strategy is clear: secure his political future by aligning with a presidential contender who shares his stance on 2027, while avoiding the risk of being sidelined or expelled from ODM. Whether this translates into a Kalonzo–Sifuna ticket remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: their weekend meeting has set the stage for high-stakes manoeuvres in the run-up to 2027.
