ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi has accused state actors, including President William Ruto, of attempting a hostile takeover of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), urging party members to resist external interference and defend the party’s legacy.
Speaking on Thursday during a media briefing, Osotsi said the claims are grounded in recent developments where key decisions, including the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General, were made without proper consultation with party stakeholders.
“I think a few days back, I raised an alarm that the ODM party is now being remote-controlled from State House, and I also raised an alarm that there is an attempt to do a hostile takeover of ODM,” Osotsi said. “This was not baseless.”
He described a series of meetings with top party leadership aimed at resolving internal disputes, including discussions with ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, party leader Oburu Dinga, and other trustees. During these meetings, they agreed to postpone a scheduled National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa until consensus was reached among party leaders.
However, Osotsi expressed surprise and concern that some party officials proceeded to consult State House independently, leading to unilateral decisions, including Sifuna’s removal.
“I am surprised that honorable Oburu told us that he needed to consult further. That consultation he did not make with other key stakeholders in the party, but they proceeded that night to State House to consult William Ruto,” he said.
Osotsi called on ODM members, especially in the party’s strongholds, to remain calm and steadfast.
“We will not allow him to have his way. And I know that many other leaders are going to join this course. We want to ask our members, especially in our stronghold, to remain calm — Sifuna is going nowhere,” he said.
The deputy leader also emphasized that the party’s leadership is committed to defending Raila Odinga’s legacy.
“I said that if Sifuna goes, I will also go. We still recognize him as our legitimate Secretary General. There is a power in this party which is an act of evil. They know themselves. We will not allow you to wreck this party,” he said.
Osotsi outlined plans to engage party supporters across Western Kenya, starting with outreach in Vihiga, Kakamega, and Bungoma.
“Our people stay firm. We are not about to give up. We will continue to protect the legacy of Raila Odinga,” he concluded, urging members to stand united and vigilant against attempts to undermine ODM from outside or within.
