ODM Strips Osotsi of Deputy Party Leader Role, Refers Replacement to NEC

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has stripped Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi of his position as the party’s deputy leader following a dramatic Special Delegates Conference (SDC) held at the Jamhuri ASK Grounds in Nairobi.

The decision was reached after delegates convened to ratify key leadership changes within the party, in what ODM described as a crucial meeting to reorganise its top structure.

Party officials indicated that the question of Osotsi’s replacement has now been referred to the National Executive Committee (NEC), which will determine the next course of action.

Osotsi’s removal followed a tense session in which delegates rejected his position, citing procedural grounds after he reportedly failed to secure a proposer and seconder during the endorsement process.

“Considering the objections of the Special Delegates Conference on Geoffrey Osotsi as the Deputy Party Leader, the same has been sent back to the National Executive Committee for consideration,” party chairperson Gladys Wanga announced.

The development unfolded amid parallel political activity, as Osotsi and his Linda Mwananchi faction staged a separate National Delegates Convention at Ufungamano House in Nairobi.

The rival gathering took place under heavy police presence, with officers deployed to monitor the situation as tensions simmered between the opposing camps.

Earlier attempts by police to disrupt the meetings proved unsuccessful, with leaders and supporters remaining defiant and proceeding with their event.

Key ODM figures, including James Orengo, Babu Owino, and Edwin Sifuna, were present at the main convention, who all together vowed to challenge what they described as a “hostile takeover” of the party.

Meanwhile, at the broad-based allied SDC, ODM delegates formally confirmed Oburu Odinga as the party leader after serving in an acting capacity for the past five months.

His election was ratified during the Friday SDC, where members endorsed his leadership and expressed confidence in his ability to steer the party forward.

At the same time, delegates approved Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir and Kisii Governor Simba Arati as the party’s deputy leaders.

Oburu’s sister, Ruth Odinga, was also voted in as Deputy National Organising Secretary of the ODM party.