By Sharon Akose
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi maintains he remains one of the three deputy party leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) formation, adding that he will not accept any political union without clear agreements being honoured.
The other two deputies are Kisii governor Paul Simba Arati and his Mombasa counterpart Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir.
Speaking at Esibuye, North East Bunyore ward during a public oversight meeting, Osotsi used a strong cultural analogy to explain ODM’s current position.
He said ODM cannot be “married off” to President William Ruto’s party without the agreement they signed being fully implemented, just like a marriage cannot take place without fulfilling dowry obligations.
“In short,” he said, “ODM cannot be sold out cheaply.”
Osotsi noted that ODM is currently divided into two camps. One group, he said, is ready to work with President Ruto without any formal agreements or guarantees. On the other hand, the other group believes the party is strong and should not rush into any political arrangement without clear benefits for its members and supporters.
He emphasised that many leaders and supporters have invested heavily in building ODM over the years. According to him, such people cannot agree to abandon the party or its values without proper consultation and fulfillment of agreed terms.
The Vihiga senator further accused President Ruto of making fake promises. He claimed that the president often makes commitments but fails to deliver on them. For this reason, Osotsi said ODM leaders must be very careful before entering into any political deal with the ruling administration.
“ODM remains a strong party and should not be undermined,” he noted, calling on party members to remain firm, united, and focused on protecting the party’s interests and ideologies.
He concluded by saying that any cooperation with other political parties must be based on respect, trust, and the full implementation of agreements, not empty promises.
The remarks come amid ongoing debate within ODM over possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.