Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has hit back after his removal as deputy party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing the state of interfering in the party’s affairs and deepening divisions within its ranks.

Osotsi was ousted on Friday, March 27, 2026, during a Special Delegates Convention held at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi. The announcement was made by National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, with Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir named as the new deputy party leaders.

However, in a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, March 28, Osotsi rejected the process that led to his removal, saying it did not follow the party constitution and lacked legitimacy.

“I acknowledge that two ODM-affiliated meetings were held in Nairobi, and from these parallel gatherings, Kenyans can clearly discern where the true spirit and legacy of Raila Odinga reside,” he said.

The senator pointed to a parallel meeting held at Ufungamano House by leaders aligned to the ODM–Linda Mwananchi faction. He claimed police attempted to block access to the venue, describing the move as state interference.

“It is deeply unfortunate that the state has chosen to interfere in the internal affairs of the ODM party, undermining democratic principles and the autonomy of party processes,” Osotsi said.

He added that despite the heavy police presence, the meeting went ahead.

“The will of the people prevailed and the meeting proceeded successfully,” he said, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of trying to disrupt their activities.

Osotsi also drew comparisons with past political eras, saying even under former President Daniel arap Moi, the state avoided direct involvement in internal party disputes.

“This action was a direct affront to the spirit of multiparty democracy,” he said.

At the centre of the dispute is the legitimacy of the National Delegates Convention (NDC) held at Jamhuri Grounds under the leadership of Oburu Oginga. Osotsi said he skipped the meeting because he viewed it as irregular.

“I did not attend the NDC convened under Oburu Oginga, as I considered it both irregular and inconsistent with the original purpose for which it was intended,” he stated.

He further claimed that the meeting which removed him was attended by individuals who were not genuine delegates. According to him, the “legitimate membership” was present at Ufungamano.

“The meeting that purported to effect leadership changes was fundamentally flawed, having not adhered to the party constitution,” Osotsi said.

Senator declines legal action

The fallout follows earlier tensions within ODM, including the controversial removal of Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna during a National Executive Council meeting in Mombasa in February. Osotsi revealed that he was offered the same position but turned it down.

“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 said.

He added that his refusal to accept the role may have contributed to his current predicament.

“This decision appeared to anger those orchestrating these changes, and I was warned of consequences,” he claimed.

Despite his removal, Osotsi said he will not challenge the decision in court, even though he believes he has strong legal grounds.

“Although I have strong legal grounds to challenge these decisions in court, I have made a conscious decision not to pursue litigation,” he said, adding that he will instead focus on advancing what he described as the true ideals of the party.

The senator also warned of growing political manoeuvring within ODM, particularly among governors eyeing senior positions. He insisted that any leadership changes must follow a lawful and credible process.

Osotsi maintained that he will continue to speak out and defend democratic principles.

“I am not a politician who can be intimidated or governed by fear,” he said.

He urged his supporters to remain calm amid the ongoing wrangles.

“We remain resolute in our mission to defend democracy and to work tirelessly towards meaningful change for the people of Kenya,” he added.