Osotsi: 'I was removed as ODM deputy leader for rejecting ‘scheme’
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has broken his silence after being dropped as one of the deputy party leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), claiming his removal was linked to a political scheme he refused to join.
Mr Osotsi, in a strongly worded statement on Saturday, suggested his ouster was premeditated, tied to internal power struggles, and influenced by external forces.
“I acknowledge that two ODM-affiliated meetings were held yesterday in Nairobi and from these parallel gatherings Kenyans can clearly discern where the true spirit and legacy of Raila Odinga resides,” he said.
‘I refused to betray a brother’
Mr Osotsi claimed that he had been offered the powerful position of Secretary-General following the controversial removal of Edwin Sifuna but declined.
“At the time, I was subsequently offered the position of Secretary General but I declined without hesitation as I could not betray a brother who had committed no wrongdoing,” he said.
He added: “Nor could I accept a position lower in party rank than the one I honorably held.”
According to Mr Osotsi, his decision triggered backlash from those orchestrating changes within the party.
“This decision appeared to anger those orchestrating these changes and I was warned of consequences at the NDC,” he said.
Claims of a ‘scripted’ removal
Mr Osotsi alleged that efforts were made to engineer his removal during the National Delegates Conference (NDC).
“Efforts were reportedly made to script reactions against me through coordinated meetings and coaching of selected individuals posing as delegates,” he claimed.
He further dismissed the meeting that removed him as illegitimate.
“The meeting that purported to effect leadership changes was fundamentally flawed, having not adhered to party constitution and attended by individuals who did not constitute genuine party delegates,” he said.
“I did not attend the NDC convened under Oburu Oginga as I considered it both irregular and inconsistent with the original purpose for which it was intended.”
State interference claims
Mr Osotsi also escalated his claims, accusing the government of interfering in ODM’s internal affairs.
“It is deeply unfortunate that the State has chosen to interfere in the internal affairs of ODM party, undermining democratic principles and the autonomy of party processes,” he said.
He cited the heavy police presence that blocked access to the rival People’s NDC at Ufungamano House.
“In the morning, a heavy police presence was deployed to barricade access to Ufungamano House in an attempt to block the People’s NDC… but the will of the people prevailed and the meeting proceeded successfully,” he said.
Mr Osotsi further claimed that a rival faction was being influenced externally.
“The Linda ground is remote controlled from State House. They are being fattened for political slaughter in the near future,” he said.
‘I will not be intimidated’
Despite his removal, Mr Osotsi struck a defiant tone, insisting he remains committed to ODM ideals and democratic principles.
“My removal only serves to grant me greater opportunity to engage more vigorously in championing the interests of the party and the people of Kenya,” he said.
“I am not a politician who can be intimidated or governed by fear and I remain steadfast in my commitment to democratic principles and national transformation.”
He maintained that he would not challenge the decision in court despite having grounds to do so.
“Although I have strong legal grounds to challenge these decisions in court, I have made a conscious decision not to pursue litigation,” he said.
Instead, he urged his supporters to remain calm.
“I call upon my supporters and constituents to remain calm, firm and focused for a brighter shared future,” he said.
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