Ososti to Ruto: Raila’s support in his strongholds is not transferable – ‘You must earn it’
By Mabonga Makhanu, December 21, 2025Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi has told President William Ruto that the support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga enjoyed in his strongholds is not automatically transferable, and anyone seeking it must first earn it.
Speaking in Vihiga on Sunday, December 21, 2025, Osotsi emphasised that the Western, Nyanza, and Coastal regions, which traditionally rallied behind ODM and its late leader Raila Odinga, will not automatically shift their loyalty to President Ruto simply because Raila is no longer alive.
“One must work hard to win their trust,” he said.
Osotsi, who also serves as one of ODM’s deputy party leaders, dared anyone with a different opinion to challenge him. He further told President Ruto that inheriting ODM’s strongholds would require earning them through actions that genuinely benefit Kenyans.
“In Nyanza in western and coastal Kenya, it is not transferable; it is earned. You must earn it by doing the right thing to the people of Kenya.”
Sidelining of Western leaders
Osotsi has also dismissed calls for leaders from Western Kenya, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, to quit the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), insisting that the party remains their political home and that any disagreements will be resolved internally.
According to Osotsi, there was no justification for abandoning a party they had helped build over decades.
“I have heard people saying that Luhyas should leave ODM. Leave and go where? Leave and go where?” Osotsi posed.
The senator traced the political journey of ODM leaders in Western Kenya, saying they had been part of the movement since its formative years and had consistently supported it through multiple elections.
“We started this journey long ago. We started with that party called LDP. Here in Western, the party that had strength was Ford Kenya, but we brought in LDP. LDP came and gave birth to ODM Kenya. ODM Kenya, Kalonzo ran away with it, then we created ODM,” he recounted.
Osotsi noted that despite political shifts over the years, the group had remained loyal to ODM since its formation.
“We have been in ODM; in 2007, we campaigned for ODM; in 2013, we campaigned for ODM; in 2017, we campaigned for ODM; in 2022. We have invested in this party. We are not going anywhere,” Osotsi declared.
Divisions in ODM
His comments come at a time when ODM appears divided over the party’s direction following Raila’s death. Some members argue that the party should maintain its traditional identity as the opposition, while others feel ODM should support President Ruto’s reelection in 2027.
This follows remarks by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who recently told Nyanza leaders that the region lacks a presidential candidate suitable for the 2027 race.
He urged them to support President Ruto in 2027 and instead target 2032 after the completion of his term.