Sifuna: Raila Was My Protector, Would Be Running for President in 2027

Edwin Sifuna, Secretary-General of Kenya's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), revealed on Monday that the late opposition leader Raila Odinga was his protector and would have been actively preparing to contest the 2027 presidential election if he were still alive. Sifuna made the remarks during a public event in Nairobi, underscoring Odinga's lasting influence on Kenya's political landscape.

Sifuna, a close ally of Odinga, emphasized that Odinga's death has left a void in the party and the nation. "I am very certain that if Raila was alive today, he would be working towards contesting for the Presidency in 2027," Sifuna said. Odinga, a veteran opposition leader who served as Prime Minister and later as African Union envoy, passed away in October 2023, leaving behind a complex political legacy. His ODM party remains a key player in Kenyan politics, and Sifuna's comments suggest that Odinga's vision continues to guide its strategy.

The statement comes amid ongoing political realignments in Kenya as parties position themselves for the 2027 general election. While Odinga's absence has created uncertainty about ODM's future direction, Sifuna's remarks signal that the party may seek to harness Odinga's legacy to rally support. Analysts suggest that without Odinga's unifying figure, the opposition could face fragmentation, potentially benefiting President William Ruto's administration. However, ODM leaders have vowed to keep Odinga's ideals alive and remain a formidable force in the coming elections.