- Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi says ODM has strong leaders who can run for president in 2027.
- He rejects claims that the party is only targeting the deputy presidency in coalition talks.
- Osotsi named several ODM figures he believes are fit to lead the country.
- His remarks follow statements by Oburu Oginga on negotiating for the Deputy President seat.
- Debate over ODM’s political direction is growing ahead of the next General Election.
Fresh cracks have emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement as Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi declared that the party has enough weight to field a presidential candidate in 2027.
Speaking at a public gathering in Kakamega, Osotsi pushed back against remarks suggesting that ODM is not eyeing the top seat. He said the party should not limit itself to negotiating for junior roles in future political arrangements.
According to him, ODM has built a strong leadership bench over the years and should not shy away from seeking the presidency.
Addressing supporters, Osotsi named several figures within the party whom he believes have the capacity to run the country.
He cited Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo as leaders fit for the highest office. He even included himself in the list, asking whether he too was not qualified.
His remarks were met with loud approval from the crowd, signalling support for a more ambitious political path.
Osotsi’s comments come in response to statements by Senator Oburu Oginga, who has recently spoken about ODM’s bargaining position in coalition talks.
During a delegates’ meeting in Mombasa on February 12, Oburu stated that the party would strongly negotiate for the Deputy President’s seat in discussions with the United Democratic Alliance.
He argued that ODM’s national support base justifies its demand for a powerful position in government. In his view, the party deserves a fair share based on its political strength and voter numbers.
However, Oburu’s firm stance in Mombasa appeared to contrast with earlier remarks made in Kisumu during the disbursement of NYOTA funds. On that occasion, he assured Deputy President Kithure Kindiki that ODM was not seeking to remove him from office.
He had indicated that the party was not out to dislodge anyone personally, even as it pursued its political interests.
These shifting tones have fueled debate within ODM about the direction the party should take as the 2027 General Election approaches.
The exchange highlights a wider conversation within ODM over whether the party should focus on coalition bargaining or prepare to field its own presidential candidate.
Osotsi’s message from Kakamega was clear: ODM should not underestimate its capacity. As political alignments begin to take shape, the party now faces a key decision on whether to negotiate for a supporting role or aim directly for the top seat.
With the 2027 race still some distance away, internal discussions within ODM are likely to intensify in the coming months.
