Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has declared that removing President William Ruto from office is no longer just an opposition plan—but a national agenda.
Speaking during a live interview on Citizen TV on July 22, Sifuna accused the Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza government of betraying the Constitution, ignoring public needs, and running the country without accountability or fairness.
“I want William Ruto to know that his removal from office is a national priority,” Sifuna said. “This is the worst possible government we could have ever imagined.”
Sifuna criticized the Ruto administration for what he called poor governance, broken promises, and ignoring the aspirations of Kenyans. He accused the government of operating against the values outlined in the Constitution, and said many citizens—especially the youth—are frustrated with the current state of the country.
He added that this frustration had united Kenyans across party lines, making Ruto’s removal a shared national concern, not just a partisan issue.
The Senator also defended ODM party leader Raila Odinga against claims that he used the June 2024 Gen Z-led protests for political gain, after several ODM leaders were appointed to government roles in what was called a “broad-based government”.
“After the June 24 protests, there was a political deadlock. People were asking, can these Gen Zs finish the job? They wanted Ruto out,” Sifuna explained.
“The claim that Raila took advantage of the protests is unfair. Baba was actually against individual ODM members joining the government.”
According to Sifuna, Odinga had called for dialogue, not power-sharing, and had proposed a national transitional plan to return power to the people.
Pushing for Intergenerational Dialogue
Sifuna praised Raila Odinga’s idea of a national intergenerational dialogue, a proposal meant to bring together Kenyans from all age groups and walks of life to discuss the country’s future.
He acknowledged that many citizens are tired of repeated calls for political dialogue, but said this time it would be different—focused on real solutions.
“I was very happy when the party leader proposed the intergenerational dialogue,” Sifuna said.
“Baba is asking: How do we get all generations to talk? How do we build a future that works for everyone?”
Sifuna insisted that open and honest conversations were necessary to address the deep frustrations many Kenyans feel about unemployment, corruption, poor governance, and lack of public trust.
In June 2024, widespread anti-government protests led mostly by Gen Z youth rocked the country.
Some ODM members were appointed into government after the protests, sparking claims of betrayal.
Raila Odinga later proposed a “national conclave” to restore public trust through civic engagement.
The formation of a transitional mechanism has since been a key demand from opposition voices like Sifuna.
While President Ruto has not responded to Sifuna’s recent remarks, political tension between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya remains high. As public dissatisfaction grows, the push for new leadership or reforms could intensify ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
For now, Sifuna insists that dialogue, unity, and accountability remain central to moving the country forward.
“Removing Ruto is not just an ODM issue—it’s Kenya’s issue,” he concluded.
