Political temperatures in Kenya are rising, as new alliances and sharp divisions emerge on the national stage. On August 15, 2025, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka met behind closed doors with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna in Kwale County, signaling the possibility of a major political realignment. Kalonzo described the meeting as "productive," hinting at a developing partnership that could reshape opposition politics heading into the next general election.
The timing of this meeting is particularly notable. According to reporting from local news outlets, Sifuna has become a prominent internal critic within ODM, publicly opposing what he sees as the party’s softening stance toward President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration. Sifuna has gone so far as to threaten resignation if ODM formally endorses Ruto’s re-election bid, arguing that such a move would betray the party’s founding principles. "If the party formally endorses Ruto for re-election, I cannot in good conscience remain as Secretary-General," Sifuna has declared, underscoring the depth of his conviction.
These internal disagreements have deepened ODM’s divisions. Some party leaders have called for Sifuna’s removal, accusing him of undermining party unity, while others—especially from Western Kenya—have rallied to his defense. The party, once a unified force in opposition politics, now finds itself at a crossroads, with its future direction hanging in the balance.
Kalonzo Musyoka, for his part, has consistently positioned himself as a key opposition figure. He has ruled out any cooperation with the current government, vowing to ensure President Ruto serves only one term. In a recent statement, Kalonzo dismissed any suggestion that he or his allies could be persuaded to switch sides, saying, "Anyone thinking we can be bought, intimidated, or compromised to abandon this mission is daydreaming." His words have resonated with many in the opposition who remain wary of rapprochement with the ruling coalition.
While the opposition is in flux, the ruling camp is also grappling with its own internal challenges, particularly in the politically pivotal Mt Kenya region. On August 16, 2025, Laikipia East Member of Parliament Mwangi Kiunjuri, a key ally of President Ruto, publicly affirmed that former President Uhuru Kenyatta remains the undisputed leader of Mt Kenya. "We have many political parties. We have one led by former president Uhuru Kenyatta, and we have TSP, where I am the party leader. That is a fact that we need to accept. Let all come and listen to them, then make your own decision," Kiunjuri stated at a public event, according to The Standard.
Kiunjuri, along with fellow MPs Gachoki Gitari (Kirinyaga Central), Mary Maingi (Mwea), and Elizabeth Kailemia (Meru), rejected any attempts by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to coerce them into joining his political camp. Instead, they emphasized the importance of political tolerance, unity, and the right of every leader to present their agenda to the electorate without discrimination. "All leaders should be allowed to express their views and invite the public to hear about their policies without facing discrimination based on party affiliation," Kiunjuri said, calling for an end to divisive politics in the region.
These remarks come in the wake of heightened tensions in Mt Kenya, where leaders aligned with President Ruto have faced hostility from voters since the impeachment of Gachagua. In an effort to reconnect with the electorate, the MPs have launched empowerment programs targeting women (mama mboga) and boda boda riders—a group that wields considerable influence in local politics. One such event was held at Kamuiru High School in Kirinyaga Central, where the leaders distributed resources and engaged directly with constituents.
Kiunjuri also addressed the issue of intimidation and political blackmail, stating that Mt Kenya residents would not be swayed by calls to abandon the government for an anti-government stance. He reassured his constituents that the region still has ample time to benefit from the current administration’s development agenda. "We are behind the president since that's the only place we can get the development that we need; the opposition can't deliver anything," he asserted, making his allegiance clear.
The political rhetoric has not been without its share of sharp words. Laikipia Women’s Representative Jane Kagiri criticized opposition figures for attempting to polarize residents along political lines, singling out Gachagua for allegedly sowing division among the communities. "That man roaming around talking ill of the government – one time he insulted me at the state house, and to date I stand and say if Mt Kenya will follow him, then we are doomed," Kagiri said, according to The Standard. She reiterated the region’s commitment to supporting President Ruto’s administration, emphasizing that unity is essential for securing a fair share of national resources.
Meanwhile, the opposition’s evolving dynamics are being closely watched. Sifuna’s outspoken criticism of ODM’s leadership and his willingness to break ranks have made him a polarizing figure, but also a potential kingmaker in any new alliance. His meeting with Kalonzo Musyoka is seen by political analysts as more than just a courtesy call—it could be the first step toward forging a broader coalition of opposition forces determined to challenge Ruto’s bid for a second term.
For Kalonzo, the stakes are high. As a veteran of Kenyan politics and a perennial presidential contender, he is keenly aware that opposition unity—or the lack thereof—could determine the outcome of the next election. By reaching out to Sifuna, he appears to be positioning himself at the center of a possible new alliance, one that could draw support from disaffected ODM members and other opposition figures dissatisfied with the current political trajectory.
Yet, the path to unity is anything but straightforward. ODM’s internal rifts, the shifting loyalties in Mt Kenya, and the entrenched interests of various political actors all present formidable obstacles. Whether Kalonzo and Sifuna can translate their "productive" meeting into a lasting partnership remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the political landscape in Kenya is undergoing a period of intense realignment, with old alliances fracturing and new ones beginning to take shape.
As the country edges closer to the next general election, voters are watching closely. The choices made by leaders like Kalonzo, Sifuna, Kiunjuri, and others in the coming months will have far-reaching implications—not just for their own political fortunes, but for the future direction of Kenya itself.
In the end, the only certainty is uncertainty. With alliances shifting and divisions deepening, Kenya’s political scene remains as unpredictable as ever, keeping both politicians and the public on their toes.
