Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, the Deputy Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has accused President William Ruto of orchestrating the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary General.
As reported by The Standard on February 12, 2026, Osotsi claimed that Ruto’s influence stemmed from Sifuna’s vocal opposition to the President’s administration and his resistance to any ODM-UDA coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
He alleged that key consultations, including those led by Oburu Odinga, were held at State House, effectively making the decision remote-controlled from the presidency to destabilize and takeover ODM in a hostile manner.
Osotsi described the National Executive Committee (NEC) decision to replace Sifuna with Catherine Omanyo as irregular, unprocedural, and a violation of the party constitution.
He threatened to quit ODM if the removal proceeds, stating, “If Sifuna goes, I will also go,” while urging party members to resist and remain calm.
Sifuna has maintained he remains the duly elected Secretary General and committed to fighting for a just Kenya, linking his ouster directly to his stance against supporting Ruto’s re-election.
The controversy highlights deepening rifts within ODM over cooperation with the government, with figures like Siaya Governor James Orengo echoing calls for the party to retain its independence. No direct response from Ruto or his allies has been reported on these specific allegations.
Author: Bashirjuma
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