The Orange Democratic Movement has removed Godfrey Osotsi as the party’s Deputy Leader in a significant leadership shake-up announced Friday.
The decision was made during the ODM National Delegates Conference held at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi. Party officials said the move followed internal processes that required candidates to secure proposer and seconder endorsements to retain leadership positions.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed confirmed that Osotsi failed to meet this threshold, making it impossible for him to continue in the influential role.
“The Senator for Vihiga has no proposer or seconder; if you don’t have a proposer and a seconder, it means you cannot secure that seat,” Junet said. “We are going to drop him as the deputy party leader.”
The development signals shifting political dynamics within ODM, one of Kenya’s leading political parties.
Tensions Rise at Ufangamano Meeting
Elsewhere in Nairobi, tensions flared at Ufangamano House during a Linda Mwananchi meeting that was briefly disrupted by police officers attempting to enter the premises.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who was addressing attendees, halted his speech and urged officers to remain outside.
“The police are not allowed to enter here. You should stay outside and protect us,” Sifuna said, appealing for calm.
The incident underscored growing political friction surrounding public gatherings and civic meetings in the capital.
Leaders Warn Police Against Interference
Siaya Governor James Orengo joined Sifuna in condemning the attempted disruption, warning of consequences if force was used against attendees.
“Any assault on any one of us will be met with consequences,” Orengo said. “We will hold you accountable.”
Despite the standoff, the Linda Mwananchi group stood its ground, forcing officers to retreat. Earlier, police had barricaded roads leading to Ufangamano House, restricting access.
Images circulating online showed water cannons and officers armed with batons deployed at the scene. However, attendees eventually breached the barricades and accessed the venue.
The twin developments — ODM’s leadership reshuffle and the confrontation at Ufangamano — highlight the evolving political landscape in Kenya ahead of anticipated realignments.
