Senator Osotsi declares ODM is still an opposition party
By Faith Lagat, November 14, 2025Vihiga Senator and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi has reaffirmed the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) position as a staunch opposition party during the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa.
Speaking on the second day of the commemorative events at Wild Waters Beach along the Indian Ocean, on November 14, 2025, Osotsi invoked the late Raila Odinga’s legacy, urging members to resist internal divisions while holding the government accountable.
ODM celebrates leadership and youth engagement
The anniversary, postponed from October 10–12 due to Raila Odinga’s passing, included additional counties after requests from Kajiado, Turkana, Kilifi, and Nairobi. Earlier events had been held in Busia, Wajir, Kisii, and Narok, with the Mombasa finale running from November 14 to 16, 2025.
The National Governing Council, held the previous day, endorsed Oburu Oginga as party leader and confirmed Osotsi alongside Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Kisii Governor Simba Arati as deputies. Newly elected National Chairperson Gladys Wanga addressed youth delegates, calling on them to drive the party’s future.
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Osotsi addressed the crowd, emphasising ODM’s opposition roots. “Sisi kama ODM sisi hapana chama ya serikali, ODM is not a government party, we are an opposition party,” he declared.
He dismissed calls for closer ties with President William Ruto’s administration, stating, “So those who have been telling us different things, I want to tell them today, please give us a break.”
Turning to the youth, he encouraged vigilance against societal wrongs. “Na nyinyi vijana mkae ngangari, ma ovu yakitokea, we shall talk against the ills in the society,” he said, positioning them as the party’s guardians.
Advancing party principles and accountability
Osotsi reinforced the importance of Raila’s 10-point agenda under the so-called “broad-based government” framework, calling for its full implementation by March 2026. He highlighted detained youths from anti-government protests, stressing immediate intervention over bureaucratic delays.
“We cannot be talking of broad-based when our youths are rotting in prison! That issue must be addressed,” he insisted. He also warned against party saboteurs, echoing Raila’s emphasis on inclusivity and unity.
“We want to bring everyone together in the party, we want to be united, to gather all and scatter nonelakini wewe ukijaribu kuleta mvurugo ndani ya chama… sisi tutatwanga wewe,” he cautioned.