Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has a strong pool of leaders capable of vying for the presidency, pushing back against recent remarks by party leader Oburu Oginga on the party’s political ambitions.
Osotsi dismissed claims that ODM is only interested in negotiating for junior positions, saying the party has enough leadership depth to field a presidential candidate in 2027.
“Oburu Oginga is telling us that ODM does not want the presidency and does not want the deputy presidency. We want to tell him today, here in Kakamega, that ODM has leaders who are more than qualified to be president,” Osotsi said.
Amid cheers from the crowd, the senator who was speaking at a public gathering in Kakamega, listed several party figures he said have the credentials to lead the country.
“Isn’t Sifuna qualified? Isn’t Babu qualified? Isn’t Orengo qualified? And what about Osotsi himself, isn’t he qualified?” he posed.
Osotsi’s remarks come at a time of heightened political debate within ODM over the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The comments follow recent statements by Oburu that have stirred controversy over the party’s bargaining position in ongoing political realignments.
According to recent reports, Oburu indicated that ODM’s engagement in coalition talks was focused on securing its “fair share” in government, including the possibility of negotiating for the Deputy President’s position.
However, Oburu has at other times sought to downplay perceptions of aggressive power demands, saying the party’s negotiations are driven by national interest rather than personal ambition.
Speaking during an ODM delegates meeting in Mombasa on February 12, Oburu made it clear that they would be negotiating for the post in their talks with UDA.
“That Deputy President seat is what we are targeting very strongly,” Oburu said.
He argued that ODM’s national popularity and widespread support justify its demand for a powerful position in any political coalition it joins, claiming that the party deserves its “fair share” in government based on its political influence and voter base.
Oburu’s statement contradicted his earlier assurance to Kindiki on the matter.
“We are not going to look for less. But, deputy president, do not think that we want your seat or that we want to remove you from your position. You are our friend,” Oburu said in Kisumu County during the disbursement of NYOTA funds.
