Ruto Sifuna ODM removal claims are shaking up Kenyan politics, with Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi pointing fingers at President William Ruto for pushing key party figures to boot Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his role as Orange Democratic Movement secretary general.
Osotsi dropped this during a heated rally in Kitengela on Sunday, part of the Linda Mwananchi Tour that’s become a hotspot for ODM’s internal rebels. He said Ruto leaned on party elders like Oburu Odinga and MP Junet Mohamed, telling them to ditch Sifuna if they wanted to stick with the broad-based government setup.
It’s no secret tensions have been high since the ODM National Executive Committee voted to kick Sifuna out last week, calling it misconduct and going against party lines.
But Osotsi framed it as a straight-up power play from State House, aimed at silencing voices that don’t toe the line with Ruto’s crew.
Look at the backstory here. Sifuna, who’s built a rep as a straight-talker on issues like youth jobs and anti-corruption, got the boot after clashing with the faction cosying up to the president. He fired back quick, calling the move illegal and against the party’s own rules.
In a presser, he said he’s not going anywhere and urged members to push back against what he sees as a hostile takeover. “We won’t let this slide,” he told supporters, eyes locked on the crowd. It’s got echoes of old rivalries, but now with the 2027 elections creeping closer, every move feels like a chess play.
Osotsi didn’t stop at accusations. He spilt details on a supposed State House sit-down where Ruto laid it out: remove Sifuna or risk your spots in the alliance. Photos from similar events show these leaders in deep chats, hats tipped low, like they’re plotting the next big thing.
And Oburu, Raila Odinga’s brother and a big name in ODM, has been quiet, but whispers say he’s caught in the middle, balancing family loyalty with political survival.
This all ties into the broader mess in ODM. The party, once a solid opposition block under Raila, is splitting as some hop on board with Ruto’s government for gigs and influence. Sifuna’s been loud against it, saying it sells out the base that fought for change.
Remember last year’s protests? Folks were out there demanding better deals on taxes and living costs. Now, with Sifuna sidelined, some worry the party will lose its fight.
But hold up – the courts jumped in fast. The Political Parties Disputes The tribunal slapped a stop on the ouster, saying no gazetting of Sifuna’s removal until they sort the petition. That’s a win for his side, at least for now.
Sifuna grinned in a video after, thanking backers and vowing to keep the tour rolling. “This is about the people, not palaces,” he said, mic in hand, the crowd roaring back.
Social media’s eating this up. One user shared a clip of Osotsi at the rally, captioning it “Ruto’s long arm reaching into opposition? Not cool.”
Another posted side-by-side pics of Ruto and Oburu, asking if alliances are worth the split. It’s got Kenyans from Nairobi to Kisumu debating: is this democracy or just big shots calling shots?
I chatted with a political watcher in Nairobi who’s followed ODM since the early days. “This isn’t new – power grabs happen,” he said over coffee. “But linking it to Ruto? That’s fuel on the fire.
Sifuna’s young blood; losing him could push voters away. “And with Babu Owino throwing his weight behind Sifuna, declaring “war” on the decision, the party’s looking at a full-blown feud.
Ruto’s camp hasn’t said much yet. A quick statement brushed it off as internal ODM stuff, but eyes are on the president. He’s been building bridges post-2022 win, pulling in opposition faces for stability. But critics say it’s more about control than unity.
As Sunday’s rally turned chaotic with teargas and scuffles – police denying overreach but videos telling another story – it shows how raw this is.
No deaths reported, thank goodness, but injuries and arrests piled up. Sifuna slipped away safe, but the message was clear: speaking out comes with heat.
What’s next? Hearings kick off soon, and if the court sides with Sifuna, it could embarrass the NEC big time. Meanwhile, Osotsi’s claims might spark probes into meddling.
