ODM deputy party leader Osotsi rules out forced support for Ruto
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 24, 2026Godfrey Osotsi, Vihiga senator and deputy leader of Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has rejected calls to support President William Ruto, warning that the party must focus on internal unity before any external deals.
Speaking in Vihiga County, Osotsi said that all top positions in ODM remain interim and stressed the need for national elections to resolve the leadership vacuum left by Raila Odinga’s death last year.
He named key figures, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and Oburu Odinga as interim holders of their roles.
“Wale viongozi wetu wakuu. Mimi nikiwa mmoja wao, hizi nafasi zetu, they are still interim. Mweshimiwa Arati, interim deputy party leader,” Osotsi said,
“Mweshimiwa Osotsi, interim deputy party leader. Mweshimiwa Abdulswamad, interim deputy party leader. Mweshimiwa Wanga, interim chairperson. Ata Oburu ni interim party leader. Mpango ilikuwa kwamba tukuwe na uchaguzi ya kitaifa. Na mimi siogopi uchaguzi. Sasa ati ODM wapasue pasue ODM ndio tusikuwe na uchaguzi.”
He accused rising voices from the Coast and Western regions of trying to divide the party.
Osotsi rejects pressure to back Ruto
Osotsi, a vocal advocate for the implementation of Raila Odinga’s 10-point agenda, has also stressed that he would not be pressured to support Ruto, either through politics or money.
“Mimi kwanza mtu atanilazimisha kuunga Ruto mkono. Lazima niangalie chini, nikae chini niunderstand niamue mimi mwenyewe. Lakini wewe unataka kulazimisha sisi,” he said.
Osotsi’s remarks appear directed at some leaders, who some observers say are open to early coalition talks with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Osotsi said ODM should first consolidate internally before considering any external alliances.
He also defended ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who faces threats of expulsion.
“Na tena, yule katibu mkuu wa chama cha ODM, Sifuna, ni kijana yetu hapa. Mimi nilisema nikiwa kule Kakamega kama Baba ako hai kwamba mkifukuza Sifuna, ata mimi nitaenda. Na bado niko na hiyo msimamo,” Osotsi said.
He added that Sifuna’s statements reflect the guidance he received from Raila Odinga and should not be questioned.
Earlier this month, Osotsi warned that UDA is attempting to infiltrate ODM networks in Western Kenya, describing it as a hostile takeover. He recently met Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to discuss rebuilding regional support.
Osotsi skipped a key ODM meeting in Vipingo while on official duties in South Africa, demonstrating his independent approach within the party.