Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has a strong pool of leaders capable of vying for the presidency, pushing back against recent remarks by party leader Oburu Oginga on the party’s political ambitions.
Speaking during a public gathering in Kakamega, Osotsi dismissed claims that ODM is only interested in negotiating for junior positions, insisting that the party has enough leadership depth to field a presidential candidate in 2027.
“Oburu Oginga is telling us that ODM does not want the presidency and does not want the deputy presidency. We want to tell him today, here in Kakamega, that ODM has leaders who are more than qualified to be president,” Osotsi said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The senator went on to list several party figures he said have the credentials to lead the country. “Isn’t Sifuna qualified? Isn’t Babu qualified? Isn’t Orengo qualified? And what about Osotsi himself, isn’t he qualified?” he posed, sparking applause from supporters.
Osotsi’s remarks come amid growing debate within ODM over the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 General Election. His comments appear to counter recent statements by Oburu Oginga, who suggested that ODM’s current political strategy was focused on securing its “fair share” in government through coalition negotiations, including the possibility of the Deputy President’s position.
The senator’s declaration underscores emerging divisions within ODM over its future political strategy, as party members weigh whether to pursue the presidency independently or through alliances with other political formations.
