Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osots.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) co-deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi has accused the party of losing its independence, alleging that major decisions are now 'being influenced directly from State House'.
In an interview, Mr Osotsi who is also Vihiga Senator, claimed that clandestine meetings outside party structures have been used to make key political decisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He indirectly accused party leader Dr Oburu Oginga of sidelining other leaders in shaping political declarations, including the June deadline set for coalition talks.
Mr Osotsi is among ODM officials opposed to backing President William Ruto’s re-election.
President William Ruto (left) confers with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga during the Piny Luo Festival in Senye Beach in Nyatike, Migori County on December 17, 2025.
His co-deputy party leaders, Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Abdullswamad Nassir (Mombasa), support the broad-based coalition and have indicated that endorsing Dr Ruto for a second term is the most viable option for ODM.
However, the Vihiga Senator insists that the party should not back Ruto unless the 10-point agenda between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is fully implemented.
He also called for the party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC) to elect national officials, emphasising that only Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Treasurer Timothy Bosire hold their positions substantively, while the rest of the leadership—including Dr Oburu—serve in acting capacities.
Excerpts from the interview
Which faction do you belong?
I do not think that there are factions within ODM. What we have are divergent opinions. We have three groups; one believes that ODM must be in a coalition with UDA, another group is of the view that ODM has priority issues to deal with, other than focusing on coalition building. We also have those who are yet to make a decision on where they belong. It is normal for people to have divergent views, even when Raila was alive. The only difference now is that there has been no opportunity for people to ventilate and discuss the issues. This is where the frustration is: that we are losing the opportunity to bring our people together by giving them a chance to be heard.
Are you admitting leadership vacuum in the party after the death of Raila?
I don’t think we have a leadership issue. ODM has very experienced leaders. We have people who have been in politics for long. So I don’t believe that ODM has run short of leaders. What is happening is that there are external influences. External forces are influencing how things are being done here. The moment we avoid external influence, then we will begin to see sense, and the party will remain formidable.
I have seen meetings being done outside the structures of the party, and I have seen people engaging outside the structures of the party. One point I told President William Ruto to address ODM through its structures.
People are making declarations out there about two terms when we have not taken a position as a party. We have never had any meeting to make a decision on whether or not to support Ruto.
ODM party leader Dr Oburu Odinga and other top officials of the political outfit at Sameta grounds in Kisii county on January 25, 2026.
There was a Central Management Committee that approved coalition talks?
Even before that Central Committee people were already talking about getting into a coalition with UDA.
Is Oburu being controlled from State House?
Well, I have a lot of respect for Oburu, because he is one of the longest-serving members of Parliament. But I would encourage him to listen more. He should listen more to his fellow leaders in the party. Raila never discussed the 2027 elections. The only thing he committed to was the implementation of the 10-point agenda which this government has to implement. Those who are saying let’s go into a coalition by June are being unfair to Raila because his priority was the implementation of the 10-point agenda. It is based on the implementation of the items that we will make a decision going forward.
Some of your colleagues claim some have been implemented?
Those saying they are being implemented are lying. There is no evidence to suggest that the 10 issues are being implemented. There was a recommendation to have allocations for counties increased to Sh450 billion.
Would back Ruto if the party takes that decision?
Just like many Kenyans, I have not made a decision on that. Until we know who else is contesting, we cannot say we are supporting Ruto. My desire is that ODM should have a candidate. I feel we have leaders who are qualified to be president of this country. I don’t see any reason why ODM should not have a candidate. If you look at the election pattern over the last four years, then you realise that our voting strength is nearly half of this country.
You have been pushing for NDC. Have you made any formal request?
Before Baba died, there was a plan to have an NDC in March this year. The main agenda was to conduct national election. So NDC is still necessary so that we can have a substantive office in place. The majority of the current members of the Central Committee are in an acting capacity. Even the party leader is acting. It is therefore in the interest of the party for delegates to elect national officials.
ODM party leader Oburu Odinga (centre), flanked by members of the party's Central Management Committee, addresses the media after a meeting at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County January 12, 2026.
What options do you have if NDC endorses Ruto’s re-election?
I would want to be convinced on the implementation of the 10-point agenda. If it has not been achieved, then I have no reason why I should support it.
Your critics say you are being sponsored by former President Uhuru Kenyatta to fight broad-based arrangement?
I think it is nonsense, because I heard about that at the time when the other group was being accused of being used by President Ruto. It is obvious they had to come with a narrative so that they conceal their intention.
