Speaking during an ODM meeting in Mombasa, Sifuna dismissed the remarks as arrogant and misguided, saying the party remains strong and united even without Raila.
The Nairobi Senator said Ruto’s statement showed fear and disrespect to other leaders within ODM.
He assured supporters that the movement was not built around one man but around shared ideals of justice, equality, and reform.
“I have heard them saying only Raila could challenge them. Let them know the young lion is still a lion,” Sifuna declared as the crowd cheered.
He added that ODM would field candidates across all elective seats, promising that the party had many capable leaders ready to face Ruto at the ballot.
“Even if you front me as the presidential candidate, we will still win,” he said, expressing confidence in the party’s grassroots support and organizational strength.
Sifuna further accused the President of using divisive language to undermine the opposition.
He argued that Ruto’s comments exposed insecurity within his administration, which he said had failed to deliver on promises of affordable living, job creation, and unity.
“The people will judge leadership not by words, but by results. We are ready to face him in 2027,” Sifuna added.
Ruto had made the remarks two days earlier while addressing residents in Kakamega during his development tour.
He said Raila was the only person who had offered him a real political contest, dismissing the rest of the opposition as weak.
Ruto vowed to secure re-election “very early in the morning” of election day, saying he would defeat his rivals with ease.
Sifuna’s response has sparked intense debate within the political scene. ODM supporters praised his courage, saying he had revived confidence in the party after Raila’s passing.
Analysts noted that his words could mark the beginning of ODM’s transition into a post-Raila era, one led by younger voices ready to challenge Ruto’s dominance.