Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has dismissed leadership changes made at ODM's Special Delegates Convention (SDC) on March 27, 2026, as illegitimate, arguing that the meeting violated the constitution of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), lacked genuine delegates, and failed to follow due process.
In a strongly worded statement on Saturday, Osotsi maintained that the resolutions emerging from the contested NDC “do not reflect the will of party members,” insisting that “the meeting that purported to effect leadership changes was fundamentally flawed, having not adhered to party constitution and attended by individuals who did not constitute genuine party delegates.”
He pointed out that legitimate party members had instead convened at Ufungamano House, where a rival “People’s NDC” proceeded despite what he described as police attempts to block access.
“A heavy police presence was deployed to barricade access… but the will of the people prevailed and the meeting proceeded successfully,” Osotsi said.
He further claimed that the disputed NDC, convened under Oburu Oginga, was “irregular and inconsistent with the original purpose for which it was intended,” adding that he deliberately chose not to attend.
Osotsi also linked the events to earlier internal disputes, including the controversial removal of Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General, which he described as part of a “failed divide-and-rule scheme.”
While acknowledging he has “strong legal grounds to challenge these decisions in court,” Osotsi said he would not pursue litigation, opting instead to focus on “advancing the true ideals of ODM party.”
He emphasized that his removal from party leadership would not deter him, stating, “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.”
Reaffirming his stance, the senator declared he remains “steadfast in my commitment to democratic principles and national transformation,” adding that he is “prepared to pay any price in pursuit of a better country for all,” even as he urged supporters to remain calm amid the escalating internal tensions.
His statement came a day after he was removed as Deputy Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) during a Special Delegates Convention held at Jamhuri Grounds, where National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed announced that the senator had failed to secure backing from delegates.
“He does not have a proposer nor a seconder… we are going to drop him,” Junet declared, sealing Osotsi’s ouster.
Osotsi, who has been leading the Linda Mwananchi faction alongside Edwin Sifuna,James Orengo and Babu Owino, had dismissed the process and insisted on holding a parallel “People’s NDC” at Ufungamano House, stating, “Any other NDC gathering is illegitimate.”
His removal comes amid deepening factional rifts within ODM, with disputes also spilling into legal channels following a tribunal directive halting Sifuna’s removal as Secretary-General pending internal resolution.