ODM’s leadership has the capacity to produce a presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has said, pushing back against remarks by party veteran Oburu Oginga that suggested otherwise.
Addressing supporters in Kakamega, Osotsi said claims that the party is only aiming for junior positions are misplaced.
“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,” he told the cheering crowd.
The senator named several party figures he believes are fit to hold the country’s highest office.
“Isn’t Sifuna qualified? Isn’t Babu qualified? Isn’t Orengo qualified? And what about Osotsi himself, isn’t he qualified?” he asked.
The remarks come amid intensified discussions within ODM about its role and strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Oburu Oginga’s recent statements have stirred debate over how the party positions itself in coalition talks. Reports indicate that he has stressed ODM’s aim of securing a fair share in government, which may include the Deputy President’s seat.
During an ODM delegates meeting in Mombasa on February 12, Oburu said:
“That Deputy President seat is what we are targeting very strongly,” citing the party’s national reach and support base as reasons for seeking a top government position.
At the same time, Oburu has at times appeared to moderate the party’s messaging. In Kisumu County during NYOTA fund disbursement, he told Deputy President Kithure Kindiki:
"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," he said.
The contrasting statements underline ongoing discussions within ODM as it balances ambition with coalition partnerships ahead of the 2027 polls.
