Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has drawn inspiration from the life of the late Phoebe Asiyo to explain his recent warning of potentially leaving the ODM party if they endorse President William Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 polls.

Speaking at Asiyo’s memorial on August 6, 2025, Sifuna said he had been deeply moved by tributes shared during the service, particularly one by Zipporah Kittony recounting how Asiyo once threatened to resign when things were not aligning with her principles.

“I was very happy to hear that at some point, the late Mama Phoebe Asiyo threatened to resign because things were not going the way that she thought they should go,” Sifuna said during his tribute.

The Senator emphasised the importance of taking principled stands when faced with situations that contradict one’s values, drawing parallels between Asiyo’s approach and contemporary political challenges.

“When things are going badly, you have a responsibility to put down your foot and say, ‘This is not who we are. This is not what we stand for. These are not our values,’” Sifuna declared.

Sifuna expressed how deeply Asiyo’s story had motivated him, telling the gathering that her example had encouraged him to stay true to his values.

“I have been extremely, extremely motivated, Caesar, by the story of your late mother,” he said, addressing Asiyo’s son Caesar.

“I was struggling here to find words of my own to describe the times that we live in, but I found a very powerful quote on the very first page of this eulogy—and with your permission Caesar, I want to steal your mom’s words and make them my own: I believe that my future is now and that I am doing what I would have done in any lifetime,” he stated.

His comments follow his earlier statements on August 3, 2025, during a political function in Saboti, Trans Nzoia County, where Sifuna made it clear that his convictions would not permit him to support a candidate whose governance he has consistently opposed.

“I assure ODM supporters that my stance remains. Raila himself has said that this is a democratic party and any member is free to speak their mind. Yet some thugs claim I cannot hold independent views simply because I’m secretary-general,” he stated.

The Nairobi senator insisted that loyalty to the party should never compromise an individual’s principles.

“The day ODM says they will support Kasongo (Ruto) that day I will not be involved. I will not be in that,” he reiterated.