- The division of ODM has increased after the party’s deputy leader Godfrey Osotsi accused the party’s top officials of ignoring internal consultations.
- Osotsi named party leader Oburu Oginga, Junet Mohamed and Gladys Wanga, claiming they ignored the unity appeal made by Ida Odinga
- The Vihiga senator defended Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna against what he described as coordinated attacks, warning that they are weakening ODM
The ongoing division within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has widened, with the party’s deputy leader Godfrey Osotsi openly accusing prominent party figures of ignoring internal dialogue.
Source: Facebook
Osotsi has targeted senior officials of the party, accusing them of ignoring the call for unity of the party by the former leader of the party, the widow of the deceased Raila OdingaMother Ida Odinga.
What appeared to be an internal disagreement about the direction of the party after the sudden death of Raila is now becoming a major power struggle.
The internal conflict is already threatening to tear the party apart just months after the death of its founder, a former prime minister.
Why did the unity talks in ODM not take place?
During an interview with NTV Kenya, Osotsi criticized the party leader and Siaya senator Oburu Oginga, Suna East Parliamentary Elections Director Junet Mohamed and Homa Bay governor’s chair Gladys Wangaaccusing them of ignoring Ida’s request for consultation before starting important party activities.
He disclosed that, according to Mama Ida’s advice, the senior leadership was to hold an emergency meeting to resolve internal differences before any further action.
Osotsi confirmed that the meeting, which was to be chaired by former Kitutu Masaba MP Timothy Bosire in Nairobi, did not take place as expected.
According to the Vihiga senator, the three instead ‘rushed’ to call a meeting of the Central Committee and initiate coalition talks while excluding the secretary general of the party. Edwin Sifunathe party’s official spokesperson.
“I know for sure that Sifuna appeared with Bosire, but the other two leaders did not appear at the meeting, but they appeared the next day in Kilifi for the Central Committee,” Osotsi said, stressing that it undermined goodwill and trust within the party.
How do ODM’s internal conflicts affect unity?
Osotsi has been defending Sifuna, condemning the ongoing attacks against the Nairobi senator.
He warned that weakening the office of the general secretary is the same as weakening the party itself, noting that the position is important in protecting the party.
The MP called on ODM to refocus on what he called Raila’s unfinished business, including concluding the party’s internal elections and prioritizing the party’s 10-point agenda before rushing to alliance plans.
“I can repeat anywhere. I can repeat the things that Sifuna used to say when Baba was alive and what he is saying now, he said after consultation, sufficient consultation. Even Raila, if he was there, would not have made a coalition agreement a year and a half before the election. He has shown us that a coalition can be made in three months before the election,” he said.
Source: Facebook
The deputy leader of the party complained more about being locked out of important regional meetings, especially in Western Kenya, in his political stronghold.
He mentioned the gatherings held in Busia and Kakamega without his knowledge or involvement, warning that such unilateral actions were not healthy and risked separating parts of the party.
Apart from the meetings, Osotsi also criticized the introduction of a new slogan, “ODM Linda Ground”, saying it was invented and propagated without consultation in the party.
He stressed that the party’s official slogan remains “ODM Tuko Tayari” and warned that introducing a new message without agreement only fuels confusion and division.
“We have not discussed anything fundamental. That is not the slogan of the party. The slogan of the party is known,” Osotsi added.
How did Winnie Odinga inspire ODM?
Osotsi’s remarks come a day after the member of the East African Parliament Winnie Odingathe youngest son of the late Raila, called the party’s leadership in public.
Winnie, an outspoken former prime minister, urged the party leadership to reflect on who is best placed to protect her father’s legacy. His intervention followed the initial tension witnessed during ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, where he opposed the current direction of the leadership.
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