Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna was among lawmakers who skipped a joint Kenya Kwanza–ODM parliamentary group (PG) meeting in Karen.
Sifuna, known for his outspoken political stance, has recently found himself at the centre of speculation over his party loyalty.
His absence from the meeting, attended by President William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga and other leaders, renewed talk of possible political realignments, often referred to as the “Damascus moment” in Kenyan politics.
The senator’s last public engagement was on August 16, when he exchanged friendly banter on social media with Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina.
Days earlier, he had attended the Law Society of Kenya annual conference in Diani, where he appeared in photos alongside Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana.
Kicking off Day 3 of the @LawSocietyofKe Annual Conference in Diani….lots of friends around… pic.twitter.com/eOdE6m8SIc — Edwin Sifuna (@edwinsifuna) August 15, 2025
Sifuna has lately projected himself as a political free agent, openly challenging some of ODM’s resolutions, including its growing ties with President Ruto.
Speaking during a women’s empowerment event in Saboti, Trans Nzoia County, Sifuna maintained he would not toe the party line in endorsing President Ruto’s 2027 bid.
"I stand by my views against the government. I want to remind those in ODM who are questioning me that I have the right to speak my mind. I will not support ODM's resolution to endorse William Ruto in 2027,” he said.
He added that removing President Ruto from power was “a national priority and not a personal vendetta.”
Speculation about Sifuna’s next political move has been fuelled further by his recent encounter with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
“Had a really productive chat with Nairobi Senator @edwinsifuna at the @LawSocietyofKe Annual Conference in Kwale this afternoon. Exchanged numbers; I have a feeling this connection could lead to some exciting things. #futurethinking,” Kalonzo posted on X.
By the time of publication, Sifuna had not responded to our request for comment.
Also absent from the PG were Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
The meeting was the first joint PG between ODM and UDA since the formation of the broad-based government, bringing together lawmakers to deliberate on legislative priorities and party discipline.
Key issues on the agenda included economic recovery, job creation, lowering the cost of living, electoral reforms, youth and women empowerment, strengthening devolution, and anti-corruption measures.
