Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has broken his silence following his unceremonious removal as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader.
He has since described the process as flawed, unconstitutional and driven by political maneuvering.
In a defiant statement issued on Saturday, Osotsi said he will not challenge the decision in court but remains committed to defending the party’s true ideals and democratic principles.
Osotsi was dropped from his position during ODM’s Special Delegates Convention held on Friday at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi.
Delegates failed to propose or second his name for the deputy leader post, prompting National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed to announce his removal.
The convention endorsed Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as party leader and named Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir as the new deputy leaders.
In his reaction, Osotsi distanced himself from the gathering he did not attend. “The meeting that purported to effect leadership changes was fundamentally flawed, having not adhered to the party constitution,” he stated.
He accused unnamed leaders, particularly some governors from the western region, of orchestrating his exit to create space for themselves.
“I am aware of heightened political maneuvering, particularly among some governors from the western region eyeing the position of Deputy Party Leader,” Osotsi said.
The senator also revealed that he had earlier declined an offer to replace Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as ODM Secretary General.
“At the time, I was subsequently offered the position of secretary general, but I declined without hesitation, as I could not betray a brother who had committed no wrongdoing,” he explained.
According to him, this refusal angered party power brokers and led to warnings of consequences that have now materialized.
Despite insisting he has strong legal grounds to contest the ouster, Osotsi has chosen not to go to court. “Although I have strong legal grounds to challenge these decisions in court, I have made a conscious decision not to pursue litigation, choosing instead to dedicate my time and energy to advancing the true ideals of ODM party,” he declared.
“My removal, therefore, only serves to grant me greater opportunity to engage more vigorously in championing the interests of the party and the people of Kenya.”
Osotsi further claimed that the state is interfering in ODM’s internal affairs, pointing to police attempts to disrupt a parallel meeting organised by the Linda Mwananchi faction at Ufungamano House.
He described the developments as “a direct affront to the spirit of multiparty democracy” and warned that the party is now “remotely controlled from Statehouse” with an attempt at a “hostile takeover.”
The outspoken senator remained unbowed, declaring: “Let it be clear that I am not a politician who can be intimidated or governed by fear and I remain steadfast in my commitment to democratic principles and national transformation. I am prepared to pay any price in pursuit of a better country for all.”
He called on his supporters and constituents to “remain calm, firm and focused for a brighter shared future,” adding: “We remain resolute in our mission to defend democracy and to work tirelessly towards meaningful change for the people of Kenya.”
Osotsi’s ouster marks the first major casualty in ODM’s leadership restructuring since the passing of former party leader Raila Odinga.
It comes amid deepening factional divisions between the mainstream group aligned with Oburu Oginga and the rebel Linda Mwananchi faction, which has accused the party of shifting away from its founding principles.
