Osotsi tables ODM rebels’ agenda at party meeting and faults Sifuna’s attempted ouster
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 3, 2026The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) held a Joint Parliamentary Group meeting at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as party members grappled with internal divisions. Senators and National Assembly members met to discuss the party’s direction amid growing factionalism.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, the only deputy party leader aligned with the dissenting faction, attended and addressed the meeting. He described the gathering as crucial at a time of serious disagreements within the party.
Osotsi used the platform to table a raft of agendas aligned with the Linda Mwananchi faction, which is considered a rebel group in ODM. Without mincing his words, Osotsi asked the party to consider fielding a presidential candidate in the 2027 polls, an agenda that has been widely pushed by the Linda Mwananchi faction.
“In my address, I noted that it was a crucial sitting, coming at a time when our party is facing serious internal divisions,’ he stated on Facebook.
“I stated plainly that we are meeting at a critical moment and reminded members of the enduring leadership of Raila Odinga — Baba — and recalled his powerful words: ‘Who told you?’ That question made by Baba at his last Parliamentary Group Meeting should now serve as our rallying call and uniting factor.”
“I challenged the party to think boldly about its future as we must seriously consider fielding a presidential candidate instead of positioning ourselves for the lesser role of Deputy President.”
Osotsi on 10-point agenda
The senator criticised the 10-point agenda signed with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in March 2025, saying the rival party had shown no good faith in implementing the deal. He reminded members that the deadline for compliance is Saturday, March 7, 2026.
“I also raised concerns about the ten-point agenda signed in March last year with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). It is evident that our counterparts are not keen on implementing the agreement in good faith and reminded members that the implementation deadline is this Saturday, March 7, 2026.”
“Those advocating the two-term narrative must be mindful of this commitment and ensure that our political engagements are grounded in accountability and respect for agreed principles.”
Osotsi defends Sifuna
He also called for a review of the decision to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as secretary general.
“Equally troubling is the move to remove Edwin W. Sifuna as Secretary General, alongside what appears to be calculated efforts to sideline leaders who hold divergent views, including myself. Such actions only deepen divisions within the party. I therefore called for an urgent review of the decision to remove Sifuna and appealed for sobriety and fairness for the sake of our party’s unity and strength.”
Sifuna, who leads the opposing Linda Mwananchi group that rejects the ODM-UDA alliance, skipped the meeting. His absence drew attention as ODM struggles with factional clashes.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, a Sifuna ally recently removed as deputy organising secretary, attended despite his rebel status. His presence sparked speculation about possible shifts in alliances or internal pressure tactics.
ODM secures parliamentary strength
The meeting endorsed recent National Executive Committee resolutions.
MPs and senators resolved to maintain all parliamentary seats under ODM control. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed read the resolutions.
“We want to increase our number in the next general election from what we have today. Our parliamentary numbers are not negotiable. We can negotiate on anything, but not on our parliamentary strength,” Junet said.
The group backed the party leader’s mandate to negotiate with like-minded parties, beginning with UDA. They also scheduled a broader review of the 10-point agenda progress on March 10, 2026, at KICC, involving ODM and Kenya Kwanza members. Key topics will include competition issues, devolution funding, and compensation for victims of the post-election violence.
ODM confirmed that its National Delegates Conference will take place on March 27, 2026, with officials set to issue the required 21-day notice soon.