ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi Condemns State Interference, Defends Party Unity After Parallel Meetings in Nairobi

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi has reacted strongly to the events surrounding two party gatherings held yesterday in Nairobi, accusing the State of interfering in internal party affairs and undermining democratic processes.

In an official statement released today, Osotsi acknowledged that two separate ODM‑affiliated meetings took place — one at Ufungamano House and another at the Linda Ground. He asserted that the dual gatherings clearly reveal “where the true spirit and legacy of [former Prime Minister] Raila Odinga resides,” and criticised actions he says aimed to disrupt the party’s internal cohesion.

Accusations of State Interference

Osotsi described the deployment of a heavy police presence at Ufungamano House as an attempt by the Kenya Kwanza administration to block the People’s National Delegates Conference (NDC) organised by ODM–Linda Mwananchi. Despite what he termed intimidation, he said the gathering “proceeded successfully” because “the will of the people prevailed.”

He accused the government of panicking and attempting to “disrupt our meetings,” arguing that such interference is contrary to the spirit of multiparty democracy. Drawing historical comparisons, Osotsi noted that even during the Daniel arap Moi era, the State reportedly refrained from intervening in internal party disputes, including those within the then‑Ford movement.

“It is troubling that, in our present context, the State appears to be actively getting involved in internal ODM matters,” Osotsi said, suggesting that the Linda Ground faction might be “remote controlled from State House.”

Dispute Over Party Leadership Changes

The statement also touched on tensions arising from the ODM NEC meeting held in Mombasa on February 11, where Edwin Sifuna was controversially removed as Secretary General. Osotsi said he was subsequently offered the SG position but declined, asserting that he could not betray a colleague who had “committed no wrongdoing.”

He claimed his decision angered unnamed orchestrators of the changes, who allegedly attempted to script reactions against him at the NDC “through coordinated meetings and coaching of selected individuals posing as delegates.”

Criticism of NDC Process and Delegate Legitimacy

Osotsi challenged the legitimacy of the leadership changes purportedly made during the NDC — particularly those associated with Oburu Oginga’s convening of the meeting. He described that gathering as “irregular” and “fundamentally flawed,” arguing it did not adhere to the party constitution and involved individuals who were not true ODM delegates.

Although Osotsi said he has “strong legal grounds” to challenge the decisions in court, he declared a conscious choice not to pursue litigation, opting instead to focus on advancing what he described as “the true ideals of the ODM party.”

Commitment to Democratic Principles and Party Mission

In emphatic terms, Osotsi framed his own removal from office as an opportunity to engage more vigorously in championing the interests of the party and the Kenyan populace. He reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles, national transformation and his readiness to “pay any price in pursuit of a better country for all.”

“The events at the Linda Ground do not in any way advance the cause of democratic growth in our country,” he said, warning that some within the party may be acting as “surrogates of UDA even as their own political bases are being invaded.”

Osotsi called on his supporters and constituents to remain “calm, firm and focused for a brighter shared future,” ending his statement with a message of unity and resilience.