A new political realignment is taking shape after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna signaled a shift toward working with Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka.
The move is being viewed as a bold step that could significantly influence the shape of the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna appears to be positioning himself as a strong and youthful voice within a new opposition formation. His decision comes at a time when critics argue that the broad-based government arrangement has not delivered on public expectations.
By aligning himself with Gachagua and Kalonzo, he is helping form a link between leaders associated with Mt. Kenya dissatisfaction and those commanding support in Nairobi and Western Kenya.
Political observers say this cross-regional cooperation may present a serious challenge to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance.
The shift also comes amid internal changes within the Orange Democratic Movement following the death of Raila Odinga. With sections of the party leadership, including Oburu Odinga and Gladys Wanga, seen as leaning toward cooperation with the government, Sifuna has taken a more critical path.
His stance suggests that he believes remaining in open opposition is key to both his political survival and future ambitions.
His recent appearances at rallies alongside James Orengo and Babu Owino have strengthened claims of an emerging rebel wing within ODM. This group appears more focused on the WANTAM, or One-Term movement, than on securing positions within government.
Tensions escalated during the February 21, 2026 Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega, where Sifuna’s convoy was reportedly teargassed and a supporter allegedly lost his life.
Sifuna has publicly linked the incident to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing the state of using heavy policing to suppress the growing alliance.
These claims have deepened the rift between him and sections of his own party that support cooperation with the government.
With some leaders, including Caleb Amisi, pointing to a March 9 deadline regarding ODM’s position, the party faces mounting internal pressure. Sifuna has indicated he would step down as Secretary General if ODM formally backs President Ruto’s re-election bid.
For voters in Nairobi and Western Kenya, these developments signal the end of the 2025 political truce.
The road to 2027 now appears competitive, with a possible new alliance reshaping the contest into a tight and unpredictable race.
