Osotsi accuses UDA of plotting hostile takeover of ODM
By Enock Amukhale, January 8, 2026The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has accused the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of orchestrating a hostile takeover of its grassroots networks in Western Kenya, warning that the move threatens the integrity of Kenya’s multiparty democracy.
ODM Deputy Party Leader and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi says a section of ODM legislators and officials in Vihiga and Kakamega counties have, in recent days, been drawn into UDA campaign and electoral strategy meetings under what he termed “false pretences” of a non-existent cooperation agreement between the two parties.
Secret meetings
Osotsi, in his statement to the press on January 8, 2026, pointed to one such meeting, held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Golf Hotel in Kakamega, which reportedly brought together ODM-elected leaders in a forum convened by senior UDA officials, raising alarm within ODM ranks.
According to Osotsi, ODM members are being approached to facilitate and participate in UDA grassroots elections, while UDA has gone further to form a regional presidential caucus composed of ODM members, actions he says violate the Political Parties Act and the ODM constitution.
“This is a predatory, bad-faith operation aimed at weakening ODM at a vulnerable moment as the party reorganises following the death of our former party leader, Rt Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” Osotsi said, terming the developments a “hostile takeover”.
He alleged that the strategy includes intimidation, threats of violence, and expulsion against senior ODM officials who have publicly opposed what he described as “premature and disrespectful actions” by UDA operatives.
ODM-UDA deal
Osotsi dismissed claims of a formal alliance between ODM and UDA, clarifying that the only existing framework is the 10-point reform agenda signed after the mid-2024 Gen Z-led protests, which led to the formation of the Broad-Based Government.
“That reform agenda is a temporary, issue-based arrangement set to lapse in 2027. It does not constitute a political pact, nor does it sanction joint grassroots activities or electoral coordination,” he said.
He warned that UDA’s actions amount to an attempt to illegally leverage ODM’s two-decade-old grassroots machinery to “soften the ground” for sidelining perceived dissenters without triggering public backlash.
Reaffirming ODM’s independence, Osotsi stressed that the party “is not an appendage of UDA” and that no agreement exists governing cooperation in the 2027 General Election.
He urged ODM members to resist what he called political deception, noting that several grassroots officials in Vihiga and Kakamega have already denounced UDA activities and recommitted their loyalty to ODM.
“ODM remains a distinct political party, and our members must not be hoodwinked into illegal schemes that undermine our party and the democratic process,” Osotsi said.
Osotsi’s remarks echoed Siaya governor James Orengo, who warned ODM against engaging in illegal collaborations with UDA.
Orengo dismissed the broad-based working agreement between ODM and UDA as unconstitutional, which has no legal backing.