As the political landscape continues to shift under President William Ruto broad-based government agenda, eyes have now turned to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna — and not for the reasons he might prefer. Once hailed as a bold and articulate voice in the opposition, Sifuna’s recent positioning within ODM and his public commentary have raised eyebrows and provoked speculation: could he become the first major casualty of the party’s uneasy dance with the government?

The “broad-based government” model, which President Ruto has championed as a way to unite the country, has seen key opposition figures cozying up to the ruling coalition in a spirit of so-called national unity. For ODM, a party built on the foundation of relentless opposition politics, this new reality is deeply uncomfortable — and potentially politically suicidal.

Sifuna, as Secretary General of ODM, is caught in the eye of the storm. His task of balancing the party’s ideological stance with the changing national tide has proven more difficult than anticipated. Critics argue that his recent remarks attacking government excesses ring hollow when juxtaposed with ODM’s visible engagement with Kenya Kwanza. Even within the party, murmurs of discontent are growing louder.

“What we’re witnessing is not just political maturity, it’s political compromise,” said a source within ODM’s grassroots leadership. “And Sifuna, despite his brilliance, might be the first to pay the price.”