Osotsi asks Ida Odinga to turn down Ruto’s UNEP envoy nomination
By Enock Amukhale, January 24, 2026Orange democratic movement (ODM) deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi has asked Ida Odinga to reject President William Ruto’s nomination as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Osotsi, while addressing ODM officials in Vihiga County on Saturday, January 24, 2026, said Ida is above ambassadorial appointments.
“We have seen President William Ruto appointing Mama Ida Odinga as Ambassador. We are asking our lovely mama Idah to reject that offer. Idah is very prominent and in an above ambassador position,” said Osotsi.
Osotsi noted with concern that UDA has come up with a strategy of weakening and splitting ODM by dishing out goodies and cash to some of its leaders.
Osotsi said UDA aims to ensure ODM is divided to give President Ruto an easy move.
He said those leaders in ODM who are fighting to protect the party from being swallowed by UDA are being frustrated out of the party.
He said to him, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Caleb Amisi, Babu Owino, Winnie Odinga and other leaders against the UDA and ODM merger are being fought out of the party.
He revealed that a section of ODM leaders has gone to the extent of holding party meetings at State House.
“UDA is fighting to split ODM, and that is why some of us who have stood firm to protect the party are being frustrated. They are trying to edge me, Babu Owino, Winnie Odinga, Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo, and Caleb Amisi out of the party. We are firm, and they will not succeed,” warned Osotsi.
Osotsi said the team fighting to protect ODM will hold rallies starting on Sunday to tell the ODM members what is happening.
“From Sunday, we are going to hold ODM rallies to tell our people the truth. We are starting with our first rally in Nairobi’s Kawangware, where we shall tell our supporters what is happening,” said Osotsi.
Osotsi said they want to strengthen the party so that they will be able to field candidates for all seats.
He said ODM will only agree to negotiations with UDA after the election.
He cautioned the ODM fraternity against rushing into a coalition with UDA, saying the chances of President Ruto short-changing them on the way are very high.
“Let us not rush into a coalition with UDA. We are likely to be shortchanged on the way. Musalia Mudavadi rushed into the dissolving ANC. You see what is happening now,” cautioned Osotsi.
Osotsi asked ODM supporters across the country to remain firm in the party.
He cautioned them that UDA machinery is walking around dishing out money to woo them in their party.
“Take the money from UDA, but don’t be confused about joining them. Let us remain firm in our party,” said Osotsi.
Osotsi said he will not betray Raila Odinga in his death.
“I will not be forced to back Ruto. I will have to think and analyse first before backing Ruto. I will leave ODM if Sifuna is chased away. Raila used Sifuna to speak his points. It will not be easy to take over ODM. We shall fight off,” said Osotsi.
The officials also ordered all ODM officials who participated in UDA grassroots elections to be evicted from the party.