Vihiga Senator and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi has accused the government of using money from increased taxes, from the Social Health Authority (SHA), and the housing levy to destabilise the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

He made the claims during a church service at Coast PAG Church in Kawangware, Nairobi.

Osotsi said government officials bundle these funds and hand them to certain ODM leaders to create divisions within the party.

“Chama cha ODM ni chama cha wananchi. Ni chama ambacho hakijajua ufisadi. Sasa hivi, Pesa inabebwa kwa magunia. Ile pesa ambayo ushuru iliongezwa. Ile pesa ambayo iliibwa ya SHA. Ile pesa ya housing tax, wameweka kwa magunia, wanapatia viongozi fulani, wa chama cha ODM, wakuje wavuruge…,” he said a day after warning governors against using taxpayers’ money to campaign for President William Ruto’s re-election bid.

He described ODM as a people-centred party that rejects corruption.

Osotsi has also repeatedly defended ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, stating that Sifuna’s statements are directly from the late party leader Raila Odinga. The remarks come amid growing tensions in ODM following Odinga’s death, which left the party in a vulnerable phase of reorganisation.

He warned that President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is attempting a hostile takeover of ODM’s grassroots networks, especially in Western Kenya. Osotsi cited a secret meeting on January 6, 2026, where UDA officials reportedly invited ODM leaders under false pretences of cooperation.

He clarified that there is no formal alliance between ODM and UDA. The only agreement in place is the 10-point reform agenda from mid-2024, which arose from Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill.

Osotsi said the agreement is temporary and ends in 2027, leaving no room for joint grassroots or electoral activities. He accused UDA of violating the Political Parties Act and ODM’s constitution by attempting to hijack the party’s machinery.

Corruption fuels public distrust

Osotsi’s claims highlight ongoing corruption scandals in government agencies. The SHA, Kenya’s public health insurance body, faces probes over billions lost through fake claims. In September 2025, auditors revealed the losses, leading to the closure of over 1,000 facilities.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said in October that 1,188 files with forged records went to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The SHA rollout has been chaotic and equate the corruption to serious harm to public health.

The housing levy, a 1.5 per cent salary deduction for affordable housing, has faced similar criticism. COTU warned in June 2025 that new regulations could divert funds from intended housing projects.