'I won't be intimidated', Godfrey Osotsi says after ouster as ODM Deputy Party Leader

In a strongly worded statement following his ouster, Osotsi termed the leadership changes effected at Linda Ground's National Delegates Convention as flawed, citing that Dr. Oburu Oginga's team failed to adhere to the party Constitution. 

He noted that he had a strong legal case to contest the decision, but instead opted to channel his efforts toward championing democratic principles within the Linda Mwananchi faction. 

“My removal only serves to grant me greater opportunity to engage more vigorously in championing the interests of the party and the people of Kenya,” he stated.

Osotsi further claimed that his removal was part of a broader scheme, revealing that he had previously declined an offer to serve as Secretary General after the controversial removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. 

He maintained that he could not accept the position at the expense of his colleague, who had committed no wrongdoing, adding that the decision may have triggered retaliation from party power brokers.

"This decision appeared to anger those orchestrating these changes and I was warned of consequences at the NDC, where efforts were reportedly made to script reactions against me through coordinated meetings and coaching of selected individuals posing as delegates."

Osotsi also accused the State of interfering in ODM’s internal affairs, claiming that police were deployed to block the 'People's National Delegates Convention organised by the Linda Mwananchi faction at Ufungamano House. 

He alleged that the disruption was politically motivated, adding that the rival Linda Ground gathering was merely a stage-managed event. 

“I did not attend the NDC convened under Oburu Oginga as I considered it both irregular and inconsistent with the original purpose for which it was intended,” he added. 

“I am not a politician who can be intimidated or governed by fear and I remain steadfast in my commitment to democratic principles."

The latest developments come amid a deepening rift within ODM following the death of longtime party leader Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025.

During Linda Ground's NDC held at Jamhuri Grounds, the party formally ratified Dr. Oburu as the substantive party leader while Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Kisii Governor Simba Arati were approved as Deputy Party Leaders.

Osotsi was, however, dropped after failing to secure a proposer and seconder during the proceedings.

The parallel meetings exposed growing divisions within the party, with competing factions laying claim to ODM’s direction and legacy in the post-Raila era.