By Andrew Kariuki
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has said he will not challenge his removal as Deputy Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement in court, opting instead to focus on advancing what he described as the party’s “true ideals.”
In a strongly worded statement following his ouster, Osotsi criticised the leadership changes effected during the Linda Ground faction’s National Delegates Convention (NDC), arguing that the process failed to adhere to the party constitution.
He maintained that while he had a strong legal case to contest the decision, he had chosen to channel his efforts toward championing democratic principles within the rival Linda Mwananchi faction.
“My removal only serves to grant me greater opportunity to engage more vigorously in championing the interests of the party and the people of Kenya,” he stated.
Osotsi further claimed that his removal was part of a broader political scheme, revealing that he had previously declined an offer to serve as Secretary General following the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
He said he rejected the position on principle, insisting that Sifuna had committed no wrongdoing, and suggested that his stance may have provoked retaliation from party power brokers.
“This decision appeared to anger those orchestrating these changes and I was warned of consequences at the NDC, where efforts were reportedly made to script reactions against me through coordinated meetings and coaching of selected individuals posing as delegates,” he said.
The senator also accused the State of interfering in ODM’s internal affairs, alleging that police were deployed to block the Linda Mwananchi faction’s planned “People’s National Delegates Convention” at Ufungamano House.
He termed the disruption politically motivated and dismissed the rival Linda Ground gathering as stage-managed.
“I did not attend the NDC convened under Oburu Oginga as I considered it both irregular and inconsistent with the original purpose for which it was intended,” he said.
“I am not a politician who can be intimidated or governed by fear and I remain steadfast in my commitment to democratic principles.”
The developments come amid a deepening rift within ODM following the death of longtime party leader Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025.
During the Linda Ground NDC held at Jamhuri Grounds, delegates ratified Oburu Oginga as the party leader, with Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Kisii Governor Simba Arati approved as Deputy Party Leaders.
Osotsi was dropped during the process after failing to secure a proposer and seconder.
The parallel meetings have exposed widening divisions within ODM, with competing factions laying claim to the party’s direction and legacy in the post-Raila era.
