Godfrey Osotsi has explained why he was not ousted alongside Edwin Sifuna from the leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), despite both leaders holding a similar stance against the party’s recent decisions.

Speaking during an interview with Herman Manyora on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the outspoken ODM deputy party leader claimed that the party may have hesitated to strip leadership positions from them at the same time since they all come from the same Luhya community. According to him, this could have been interpreted as an onslaught on the entire Luhya community.

“The axe has not fallen on me; it could be hanging in the air.” I think the reason they did not chase me is that they were shy to chase 2 leaders from the same Luhya community. What they did to Sifuna is null and void!” Osotsi stated

Osotsi further suggested that the party could be implementing its actions in phases, warning that the “axe” might still fall on him after the removal of Sifuna. Whose fate now lies with the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT).

The Vihiga senator went on to condemn the ouster of Sifuna and his replacement with Catherine Omanyo, terming the move null and void.

He argued that this is why the PPDT was quick to grant Sifuna a reprieve after the party unleashed what he described as its full wrath on him.

Osostsi and sifuna

Osotsi and Sifuna, among other leaders, have been openly critical of the direction the party is taking ahead of the 2027 general election. Their concerns have particularly centred on the decision by the party’s Central Management Committee (CMC), which tasked Oburu Odinga to lead ODM in pre-coalition talks with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Together with James Orengo, the two leaders have voiced their dissatisfaction, insisting that such political realignments will not proceed under their watch.

Osotsi has instead urged the party to focus on implementing the 10-point agenda, which he says reflects the wishes of the late party leader Raila Odinga, rather than rushing into pre-coalition formations.

Osostsi’s solidarity with Sifuna

Before Sifuna’s attempted ouster, when his removal appeared imminent, Osotsi publicly declared his support for him, stating that if Sifuna were touched, he would also resign from his position as deputy party leader.

He emphasised that Sifuna is the official spokesperson of the party and the only one mandated to speak on its behalf.

The two leaders have since formed the “Linda Mwananchi” movement to rival the “Linda Ground” initiative championed by Oburu Odinga.